STANDARD 1

Artifact Title: Praxis Scores, and College Assignments Date: July 20, 2013 Artifact Description: In July of 2013 I took the Praxis II content exam for Technology Education. Passing this test is a requirement for all Tech Ed teachers before they are allowed to do any student teaching. This test covers many different content areas that can be taught in technology education. As an undergrad at UW-Platteville, I took a variety of classes to further my knowledge and skills in different areas of study. The classes I took covered: wood working, metal working, mechanical, fluid power, audio and visual systems, construction, 2D and 3D drafting, tractor and engine systems, and electronics. Wisconsin Teacher Standard Alignment: This artifact best aligns with standard 1 which states; The teacher understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the disciplines she or he teaches and can create learning experiences that make these aspects of subject matter meaningful for pupils. There were several tests that I was required to pass before I was allowed to do my student teaching, or be admitted into the UW-Platteville School of Education. The first set of tests was the Praxis I. There were three different portions to this test, and they tested my knowledge in reading, writing and mathematics. The second test I was required to pass was the Praxis II which covered all of the industrial studies classes I took as an undergraduate at UWPlatteville. Passing this test was very rewarding because it demonstrated that I understood the material from the classes I took for the past three years. I feel confident that the scores I received on these exams directly show my knowledge of the field, and that I learned and retained valuable information at UW-Platteville. During my studies I was enrolled in courses on 2D and 3D drafting. In my Technical Drafting class we used a program called AutoCAD. This is a program where I learned to draft in two-dimensions. In this class I was taught proper drafting techniques, as well as dimensioning techniques. Two-dimensional drafting is used in all sorts of applications in daily life. Most instructions have two-dimensional drafts that show steps depicting assembly. This class taught me industry requirements so that I was able to produce legal drafts. In the fall semester of 2011 I took a class called Introduction to Manufacturing. In this class I learned about three-dimensional drafting with a program called SolidWorks. The content of this course taught me how to create actual three-dimensional drafts of objects. One of the assignments was to design a practical toy made out of wood that could be manufactured. Using SolidWorks we drafted and dimensioned our toys part by part. Once we had all of our parts drafted and dimensioned we created a design portfolio. This portfolio was to be approved by a

committee (aka: the professor). Once our toy design was approved we manufactured it. By actually manufacturing our toy we learned about industrial manufacturing and the best ways to manufacture products. This would be a great project for me to do with my future students. This project teaches the students to create a simple design and also gives them a sense of how the design process works in industry. After the students create their product I would have them reflect on their experience and ask them what went well, what didnt go well, and what they would change next time. As an educator I will emphasize drafting basics, while demonstrating that technology and computers can improve productivity. This will provide my students with knowledge and skills useful in the real world and their future professions. In my Digital Electronics class I learned how electronics are used in daily items as well as in industry. My artifact is a test I took covering two key concepts in logic circuits; those concepts being truth tables and logic expression. Logic circuits are used in anything electronic from TVs, to radios, cell phones, and vehicles. For example, when you get into your vehicle the interior lights come on and the fasten seat belts light comes on. Logic circuits are used to tell the lights to turn on or off when doors are open or seat belts arent fastened. Once doors are closed and seat belts are fastened the sensors tell the circuit to turn the lights off. These are subjects that a majority of people do not know about or think about because they are not central concepts in Technology Education. The class I took also taught troubleshooting of these circuits so I could identify the problem and create a solution. Troubleshooting in particular is a vital tool of inquiry when teaching, especially when teaching about technology. Attempting to identify a problem is an excellent way to teach students the inner workings of almost any device. From my previous experiences I believe I will be able to develop learning strategies, opportunities, and lesson plans that will help make the information I teach more meaningful and pertinent to my students. UWPlatteville School of Education Knowledge, Skill, and Disposition Statement Alignment: These artifacts best align with KSD1.a which states; The candidate displays extensive content knowledge of his/her subject areas and demonstrates a continuing search for new content knowledge, resources, and best instructional practices, while understanding student diversity and student misconceptions and misunderstandings as key to the teaching process. The classes I have taken at UW-Platteville have expanded my knowledge base in areas I was already familiar with, and especially in areas I wasnt really familiar with. I was able to greatly expand my knowledge and skills in many areas and learn countless things I did not know before. My experiences in the industrial studies courses is the most important part of the artifact because with this experience I can teach my future students what they need to know so my students can go into a future job and be better prepared for it. I have learned countless new things that will help me be a better educator. My hope is that my future students can learn skills in my classes that allow them to begin a meaningful career upon graduation from high school. Secondary Alignment:

KSD3.a Communicates Clearly and Accurately What I learned about teaching / learning: What I learned from this experience is that even though teachers are the ones in front of the class teaching students they are constantly learning as well. I also constantly watch the instructors in classes I visit to see what they do in their classroom so I can evaluate them and use what I discover to improve my teaching. In order to maintain my students attention I must provide clear and concise instruction. The best way that I can do this is to be certain of the accuracy of what I am teaching, and acquire advanced knowledge and skills in the subject area. If I do not completely understand the material, it can result in me not teaching my students correctly, or even worse teaching them something that is wrong. What I learned about myself as a prospective educator: Through my college classes and prior experience I have expanded my knowledge and skill base in any area that I could teach in Technology Education. I understand that if I do not fully understand a particular topic, I must study the material and practice my skills thoroughly so I can teach my students correctly. At the beginning of any new lesson I must be 100 percent comfortable answering questions on the subject and on anything remotely related to that topic. As a result of my education and experience I feel that I am prepared to teach my students effectively using the knowledge base and experience I have obtained.