Part 7 Reflection and Self-Evaluation

A. Interpretation of Student Learning I believe the difference I saw in students success from one unit to the next is dependent on several factors. With a few classes, I can easily credit the improvement in scores to my improvement in techniques for reviewing new terms and concepts throughout the unit. In covering them more clearly and approaching them in a variety of different ways, I was able to reach a more diverse range of learning styles as well as help reinforce the concepts. On the other hand, in classes where I did not see as great an improvement, I honestly believe that the atmosphere and personality of a class informs the learning process of each student. Classes that tend to be easily distracted and less hardworking simply did not score as high as classes filled with students who talk rarely and listen closely. Among the three beginning dance classes, I use the same lesson plans, the same assessments, and the same supporting materials like visuals and videos. Yet, without fail, one class does not score as high as the other two because the class environment is less focused and motivated. While I have adjusted management techniques for the personality of each class, it is still a matter of their personal motivation. In the intermediate class, where I have turned to extrinsic motivation, I have seen an improvement in participation points and will be interested to see if this classroom style affects the final assessment on their unit. On a side note, another factor to the success based on the assessment results is that I have been tweaking the rubrics and written assignments, making them more clear and concise. I have weighed some things weighed things in a way that allowed students to be more successful. If they make mistakes in a sequence I am testing them on they will not be marked down too harshly, as long as they are performing it with full embodiment and dedication. Other than these factors that I am working on as a teacher, I have to give a lot of credit to the contextual factors of each class. Some classes are very intrinsically motivated and it shows in the way they internalize the units concepts. B. Insights on Effective Instruction and Assessment Again, it depends on the class. In my fourth period, beginning dance class, personal compositional activities are highly successful. This class in particular is motivated, creative, and always begs for more time to work on their movement. I have found that in giving them the time to develop their pieces, they internalize the concepts and perform well. In my fifth period, beginning dance class, personal work time is not valuable and quickly disintegrates into distractions and playtime. I have found instead that focused activities such as watching a relevant video and writing down personal insight help to reinforce the concepts for this particular class. Overall, however, I can say that I have found that activities that have an element of funwhether that is through friendly competition, fun rewards, challenging yet appropriate movement, or a sense of humorare the most successful for every

level. If they feel like they can have fun while dancing, they become much more invested than if they feel like they are working hard for no reason. C. Implications for Future Teaching I feel that I have worked hard to develop a relationship with each class based on what they need from me. In creating an atmosphere where the students know that I do like them, yet also understand that I have high expectations for them, I have been able to create an atmosphere in each class that is unique and non-stressful. It has been interesting to see each class open up and blossom in those environments. I have also worked hard to pay attention to individual students and develop my ability to give clear feedback. I have also worked hard to utilize a lot of clear, evocative imagery to help give the students a reason to move. I have noticed that having something solid to keep in mind as a motivating idea has really helped student perform well. In the future, I think I can continue to improve on catering to different learning styles. I really had to think through it and I think I can do better. I think I can also work on giving even more positive feedback, rather than always correcting things I see. I also tend to discuss and talk a lotI like to look at it from a really intellectual perspective. In the future, it would be better for me to talk less and get the students moving more in order to keep them engaged and exploring for themselves. D. Implications for Personal Professional Improvement One very specific thing that emerged for me was my discipline plan. I really struggle in micro-managing discipline. I dont remember to do it, and I always want to be too lenient with the students, when I really shouldnt accept their behavior. I have bought the book Teaching with Love and Logic and have already started studying it during my prep periods. I would like to find a seminar I can attend to continue learning this type of management as I believe it will lead to a more constructive, positive atmosphere in the classroom and help me retain authority. Until then, I will continue reading the book and applying its principles in my teaching Another area for me to develop is my collaboration. In this school, the auditorium is very self-contained and the only other teachers or administrators I ever see are the six that share our lunch. One semi-professional activity that really helped me was a faculty dinner I attended. I would continue to look for those opportunities in order to develop relationships with the other educators around me and build up to a place where we can collaborate together. There is very little collaboration with other artists in the community and I would like to be able to do that. In attending the Utah Dance Education Organization Conference this year, I actually met a few people that could help me with that at the state level and learned about that process, which was really exciting. I will continue to stay involved in the dance world through UDEO, NDEO and other professional development areas in order to keep on the forefront of what is happening in the dance world and place myself where I can have opportunities to collaborate and work with others.