Reflective Analysis of Portfolio Artifact

Rationale/Reflection
InTASC Model Core Teaching Standard:
STANDARD 2. Learner Development
The teacher understands how learners grow and develop, recognizing that patterns of
learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, linguistic,
social, emotional, and physical areas, and designs and implements developmentally
appropriate and challenging learning experiences.
Brief Description of Evidence:
As a part of my EDUC 121 Child and Adolescent Development during fall
semester of 2014, I went to Inspire Academy to receive observational experience with an
elementary child. I was assigned to a third grade classroom to gain experience with
students and teaching. For my observations, I was suggested to observe an eight-year-old
boy. To gain an understanding of my student, I involved mysef in many group activities
and I took notes throughout the four hours I spent at the school of inquiry. As I took
notes, I prepared myself to create a case study for my assigned student. I also gained
experience with teaching as I was a part of this third grade classroom. I conducted a
lesson plan for one hour and I worked with 12 third grade students. I had them conduct
research pertaining to his/her given topic and present his/her research choosing between
three formats: Voki, PowerPoint, or Poster Board. I visited this school of inquiry every
Thursday morning from 8a.m. to 12p.m.
Analysis of What I Learned:
During my involvement while working towards my observational experience, I
learned how to observe the many different behaviors within the classroom I was involved
with. I learned how to pay attention to the diversity and to make sure that each student
was receiving the proper attention they deserved. Every individual is important and not
every child gets along, but I involved myself in group activities and I demonstrated
kindness to show to the students how truly important it is to accept one another. I
interacted in a positive manner and I provided myself to each and every student as a
source for insight. I learned within myself that I do enjoy teaching students and that I am
an overachiever, because I came prepared rather than coming unprepared. I also learned
that there are many different learning types within each student and that there are many
different ways to cover those learning types successfully. I am certainly excited to teach
students and I enjoy pushing myself to provide every need for each student to learn
extensively.
How This Artifact Demonstrates my Competence on the InTASC Model Core
Teaching Standard:
This artifact demonstrates my competence by showing that I can understand there
are patterns of learning and development within each individual and there are many ways
to cover each students learning type. I can do this by giving options when using formats
to present research, or by conducting a subject by giving each student the choice.

Throughout this course, learning about Erik Erikson has prepared me to fully understand
that children vary developmentally. Not every child is capable of doing one thing that
other students have the capability of doing.