Standard 7: Planning
Description
The teacher plans instruction based on knowledge of subject matter, students, the community, and curriculum goals.
Reflection
There are many different factors that contribute to a teacher’s instruction. One of these factors is that of subject knowledge. A teacher should be competent in his or her own content area; this is evident in standard 1. Also, the diverse student population contributes greatly to each lesson. A teacher should establish both short term and long term goals for each individual student as well as the class as a whole. This should be done by taking into account the diverse group of learners present, knowing how to motivate these students, and reflecting on ones own teaching methods; these are all explained in more detail in standards 3,5, and 9 respectively.
Another aspect that should influence a teacher’s instruction is the community. When appropriate the beliefs and practices of the community should be evident in the daily instruction. Also topics and issues that are relevant to the community are an excellent way to engage students in a lesson, by having them feel as though they have some kind of ownership in the instruction. Lastly, the curriculum goals and standards should be taken into account when preparing lessons. These goals can be a starting point that will guide the instruction through to the end of the year.
A teacher should be flexible enough to incorporate all of these factors into their instruction, while at the same time always being open to adjustment as all of these factors are constantly changing.
Evidence
Planning is a crucial element in many professions. I have made numerous practice layouts, as a coach, with both short term and long term goals in mind. Making these as detailed as possible allows a teacher to maximize their efficiency in the time allotted. Also as a manager I have been responsible for the planning of work schedules for approximately ten employees. A lot of though should go into planning, and if it is laid out properly it should be easy to follow and reference.
Below I have listed a couple of short term lesson plans and a long term unit plan that I have developed during graduate school.
- INSERT LESSON PLANS HERE!!
- INSERT UNIT PLAN HERE!!
