Standard 6:

Artifact: Biology Power Point Artifact Description: This artifact is a PowerPoint I made on Genetically Modified Organisms where the student had to teach the lesson. This PowerPoint was for my biology class I took in the spring semester of 2013 at UW-Platteville. The assignment was to research a topic, create a 30 to 40 minute long lesson for the class, and create a quiz for my class to take once I was done presenting. Wisconsin Teacher Standard Alignment This experience best aligns with standard six of the Wisconsin Teaching Development and Licensure Standards, which states: "The teacher uses effective verbal and nonverbal communication techniques as well as instructional media and technology to foster active inquiry, collaboration, and supportive interaction in the classroom." Giving a lesson in my biology class best aligns with standard six because I had to use all forms of communication to present the information to the class. I know how it feels to sit in a class and have to listen to a teacher lecture and just talk for hours at a time. I tried to break up my talking by giving examples and showing a video during my lesson. I believe this best kept my classmates attention. To ensure each student could understand me I had to focus on my verbal skills. Speaking clearly and using proper volume were two verbal skills I focused on to ensure each student would understand me. To foster active inquiry, collaboration, and interaction throughout the lesson I asked questions to my classmates. One question I asked was why are GMOs beneficial to the human race? The question was asked before I got to that portion of my lesson so they did not know the exact answer but probably had an idea. At the end of my lesson I passed out a sheet of paper to each student with a few questions on it. I then had them answer the questions to formally assess them, but I allowed them interact and collaborate with each other in order to complete the assignment. Being able to communicate well is one important trait for a teacher. It is very important that students understand what the teacher is asking them to do. When writing a lesson I need to keep my audience in mind, because, if you talk above or below your students they will not listen to the lesson or get involved with it. Nonverbal skills are a very important thing to focus on when giving a lesson. Everyone has had a teacher that paced back and forth, or plays with their hands the entire class. Hand movements during a lesson can show importance of the subject matter if used correctly. Teachers can walk around the class to different sides to keep the audience involved in the lesson. Teachers should stand up straight during the lesson because it shows your confidence in the lesson. Using media keeps the audience involved, which is why I showed a video on genetically modified organisms during my presentation. This gave the students a break from my

lecturing. This break was also a good time to ask my classmates questions to see if they comprehended the lesson, or if I should go back over something again. UW-Platteville School of Education Knowledge, Skill, and Disposition Statement Alignment This experience best aligns with KS3.a. of the UWP Knowledge, Skill, and Disposition Statement, which states: "The candidate's spoken and written language are correct, expressive and clear, with well-chosen vocabulary that enriches teaching and communicates thoughtfully, responsively, and effectively for a wide range of student understanding and encourages appropriate student language development." During my speech classes in high school and college speaking clearly is a big part in communicating effectively. Speaking clearly will make sure my students are able to understand me and fully understand my lesson. You also need to think of your word choices because you do not want to use vocabulary that is too advanced or too easy for the audience. To make sure students with different learning styles are reached, teachers need to use many different ways to present their information. What I learned about teaching/learning: I learned that both verbal and non-verbal communication skills are vital to keeping my class involved. Verbal skills such as speaking clearly and loud enough are simple skills that will help me reach my students. I also learned that my vocabulary can be a factor in how involved my class will be. If I teach above or below my students they will not listen or not understand my lesson. Non-verbal skills that need to be used are to not play with your hands the entire time or rock back and forth. Standing up straight is one of the largest factors in making your students feel you are confident in the material you are presenting. What I learned about myself as a prospective educator. I learned I need to use good speaking and communication skill while I am teaching so that I am not distracting to my students and to make sure I am communicating effectively. My non-verbal skills are also vital so I am not distracting my students by twiddling my thumbs or rocking from foot to foot. If I keep these ideas in mind I will be able to communicate clearly and effectively in my future classes and keep my students attentive to my lesson. So my students stay active in my classes I will use my communication skills to ask questions throughout my lessons. I could post some questions on the smart board during class or at the beginning and allow my students to work together to answer them. Communication is the key; if I dont communicate to them then how will I get them to cooperate and stay actively involved in my lessons?