Artifact Reflection

Potosi Elementary/Middle Summer School

July 2013

Artifact Description:
These artifacts are pictures of students that range from third to seventh
grade. This was their second day of summer school and for the week, they
would be experimenting with science projects. Most of the students were
able to work in groups with their friends while there were a few students
who joined in any group who needed more members. In this class with the
diverse range of grade levels, there are certainly a wide range of diverse
learners.
Wisconsin Teacher Licensure Standard Alignment:
This experience best aligns with Wisconsin Teacher Standard 3 Diverse
Learners The teacher understands how students differ in their
approaches to learning and creates instructional opportunities that are
adapted to diverse learners. My experience aligns with standard three
because I appreciate individual variation within each area of development. I
also show respect for the diverse talents of all learners and Im committed
to help them develop self-confidence and competence. Since my students
are working with groups of diverse learners, I dont want them to be
discouraged in any way. As a teacher I want to fit the individual needs of my
students, while at the same time fitting the needs of my class as a whole.
As a result of this experience, I have learned the importance of students
learning at their own pace and as well as having to work with a range of
students with a variation of knowledge, skills and learning styles.
UW-Platteville Knowledge, Skill, and Disposition Statement Alignment:
This experience best aligns with KSD3.e. The candidate has the ability to
make appropriate adjustments to his/her instruction and accommodates
students questions and interests while being aware of student differences
and difficulties, and can use a wide range of resources and strategies to
meet all students needs in the classroom. Especially in the setting I was
working, groups of assorted ages, managing behavior is challenging.
Students were not used to working with others of either lower or upper
classmen. There was also the fact that there were some students who had
siblings in the same class which sometimes caused a bit of disorder. If there
was a disorder where the students were at a stalemate, the students were
able to work it out with myself or the lead teacher to work with another
group.

As a result of this experience, I am more aware of student differences. As a
teacher I am able to make appropriate adjustments to my instruction and
make accommodations to fit the needs of each student and to my
classroom. It takes patience, time, and effort to work out any encounters
that happens in my classroom.
Secondary Alignment: KSD2.a. Create an Environment of Respect and
Rapport
KS3.c. Engages Students in Learning
KSD2.b. Establishing a Culture for Learning
Personal Reflection:
What I learned about teaching and learning
I know now that every class includes diverse learners. I must be patient with
them and work to the best of my ability to fulfil each of their needs. I
realize that it takes time to get to know each and every student, but it is
necessary because knowing their learning style will help me better prepare
my lessons and activities for my students.
What I learned about myself as a prospective educator
I learned that when it comes down to a students behavior, it could help to
praise the students who are behaving. The students who are misbehaving
are then able to see and know who they can look up to and work on their
behavior.