INTASC+Standard+04


 * __INTASC Standard 4__

The teacher understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies to encourage students' development of critical thinking, problem solving, and performance skills.

__Specific Category of Standard 4__

INTASC.4.B K: The teacher understands principles and techniques, along with advantages and limitations, associated with various instructional strategies (e.g. cooperative learning, direct instruction, discovery learning, whole group discussion, independent study, interdisciplinary instruction).

INTASC.4.C K: The teacher knows how to enhance learning through the use of a wide variety of materials as well as human and technological resources (e.g. computers, audio-visual technologies, videotapes and discs, local experts, primary documents and artifacts, texts, reference books, literature, and other print resources).

__Understanding Sentence__

The teacher is able to teach students in various ways that instill problem solving, critical thinking and performance skills.

__Artifacts__**
 * Direct and Indirect Lesson Plans [[file:DirectGrp1.doc]][[file:IndirectGrp1.doc]]
 * Inspiration Project [[file:msvenssonInsPro.isf]]


 * __Reflect__**

My Direct and Indirect Lesson Plan artifacts illustrate my understanding on implementation of strategies that I have learned and applied first hand from my education classes. The Inspiration Project demonstrated my understanding on how to enhance learning through various avenues and by incorporating technological resources and computer software. Using all the teaching methods--direct instruction, indirect instruction, cooperative learning, etc.--a teacher can strive to keep the classroom fun, entertaining, and a place where students want to be. M otivating students on their level and encouraging them on to the next is important for all students, no matter where they may be individually.


 * __Project__**

With the aid of more technological advances in the classroom, the resources in the hands of our teachers become almost endless. From You Tube videos to animated characters and educational video games, the World Wide Web is an enhancement to every classroom. However, with technology changing constantly, it is hard to keep up; teachers then have to bridge the gap and use the technology to their best interest. Merging conventional teaching practices into a highly technological world can be quite challenging, but the rewards are enormous if done correctly.