Week 07

Project Development

As part of our on-going learning, we were asked to develop a project that could be used as a unit of work under the Stage 6 Preliminary course. By applying the principals of Backwards Design and Project Based Learning, I built up the outline of a project from the syllabus documents, and then worked to create the details. The outline currently does not include lesson plans, but these could be developed from the task outlines created. The work so far is contained in the attachment below:

Memory Game

As part of this week's tutorial, we worked on producing a memory game, where students had a deck of cards featuring sets of cards to do with a single topic. The cards were grouped into threes, with each group containing a term, definition and picture. The idea was to produce the cards in MS Word and print them off.

Qualities of a Teacher

Today in computing we discussed the qualities that make a good teacher, using the perspective we gained during Focus Week to guide us. Working in groups of 4, we contributed our ideas to a discussion group, from which Alan drew up a combined list. I was interested to see what I would come up with on my own following this exercise...and it looks like this:

• Affable

Technology and Learning in Mathematics

In this technology focused world every opportunity for students to develop their computer skills is vital. Using a combination of traditional and technology related resources in mathematics will develop these skills while providing a sound grounding in mathematical concepts as well.

First Lesson

Today I taught my first lesson. The class was an accelerated Year 9 class studying the Year 11 Information Processes and Technology course. After participating in the class yesterday, my supervising teacher (Peter) asked me if I wanted to run the class today. Naturally I said yes, as I am sure it is far more interesting to teach than to watch others teach.

First Week

It's always interesting starting a new job. This time was even more interesting, as it is part of a new career in a new country. School is a 15-minute walk from home, and I was in early on the first day. Lots of waiting around whilst things got organised and the week began.

Lesson Plans Revisited

Attached are the two lesson plans I created as part of Computing 1X's Assignment 1. Looking back at this work after a short break, I can see ways to improve it. What jumps out most is the fact that the values that I intended on teaching are no explicitly stated in the plans, even though I thought they were!