Planning an Assessment

This teaching journey has been an informative process. When I first started this program I didn't think there was too much that goes in to the process of writing lessons. This school has taught me different. I will be discussing one objective and write three assessments based on said objective to show the process. 

The Objective:

Washington State Assessments Grades 9-10: World Geography 3.1.2:

"Identifies major world regions and understands their cultural roots"

3 Formative Assessments:

First Assessment: Class Discussion-

After discussing the material of major world regions I would like to engage the class in a student led discussion. I would like them to discuss information they had previously had about the major world regions we discussed and what they learned from the lesson that they did not know. I would like them to discuss anything they want related to the topic at hand. Also I would have the students feel free to ask myself questions about the material. 

I believe that this is important to understanding the material because a class discussion will get a multitude of ideas and view points to the topic. Also students with different backgrounds can discuss their experience with different cultures or what their families have said. I think class led discussion are really encouraging in getting the students involved. 

Second Assessment: Constructive Quiz-

After giving a lecture and conducting a class led discussion I would like to conduct a quiz. Something basic that deals with a map and questions about different cultures. I think a quiz where the students name all the major countries, also they could answer questions about what language is spoken in some of these countries. Maybe even a bonus question that I gave the answer to in the class led discussion. 

I believe the quiz will be important to gain an understanding of where the students are with learning this lesson. I don't think I have to go in depth on grading just a general one making sure they get a grasp on the material. I think quizzes are important so I can assess where the students are visually. However I also think they are less formal then tests so students will have lest pressure. 

Third Assessment: Group Presentation-

This may be the most important activity for the students in understanding the material learned. I would have the students get into groups where they will pick out a region to research. Each group must have a different one. They will present information on that area; they will present specifics about the culture (food, langauge, etc.,,), what significance they have to the United States, and an activity. I believe the first two portions are important for showing they understand the information and the third is important for engaging the students in a fun way. They could bring a dish from their region they have studied or do a traditional dance. 

I believe this is the most significant because it engages the students in group work and is fun. If they enjoy what they are doing and what they learn then I will have done my job correctly.  Also this is the way the can get a real life grasp on the material. Being able to cook a dish or make an art project based on the region shows real world skills. Overall I believe that learning about cultures are important since America is considered a melting pot. Especially during election years when the topic of immigrants and international affairs are such a relevant topic. 

Reviewing Module 4 and Standards

I keep seeming to get amazed by everything I learn in this program, each module has been more informative as I go on. Learning about standards, backwards mapping, and objectives has been the most enlightening portion of this program. I am excited to reflect on what I have learned and why I think this will be beneficial for me.

Unit one consisted of looking at local, county, state, and other standards. We were instructed to unpack these standards. I chose to look at the Washington State Standards because even though I may be student teaching in Mount Vernon I could be anywhere in the state. The Washington State Standards are very easy to read and in turn made very convenient to unpack. I am looking to teach secondary education in social sciences. One standard I chose was "identifies major world regions and understands their cultural regions". I thought this was a very important standard to unpack, it gives the students a deeper understanding of different cultures around the world. It is also easily put into projects, papers, presentations. Finally it relates to events such as the presidential election.

Unit two was really informative and I actually thought backwards mapping was much more helpful then I thought it was going to be.  It helped me organize my thoughts through assessments, proficiency, and learning experiments. It made me look at the standards all over again which was helpful in analyzing what I need to do to help my students understand the concept. It really helped me ponder what lessons I should use.

Finally unit three was helpful and stressful all in one. I thought the smart objectives were very intriguing and challenging but I believe I got a good first grasp on it. This is where I feel like I really got a grasp on what I need to do to get the material across. I think one of the most aggravating part of this assignment was trying to hit all aspects of the smart objectives. However I think I was able to get a better grasp on lesson plans.  

Secondary Social Studies Standards

My career path has brought me towards teaching. I will be Secondary Education, primarily grades 9^th-10^th, at my alma mater Mount Vernon High School in Mount Vernon, WA. In order to understand the requirements needed I chose to look at the Washington State Standards for teaching Secondary Social Studies. Those requirements can be found here http://www.k12.wa.us/SocialStudies/EALRs-GLEs.aspx.

I chose the standard History 4.4.1 where students will: Analyze how an understanding of world history can help us prevent problems today. I chose this standard because I believe it is crucial in understanding history so that we do not repeat the same mistakes. I also believe it is important because it helps the students understand different issues that people have faced around the world. I finally chose this lesson because it gives the students a ton of material and projects to work with due to the vast extensive material.

There are three proficiencies that my students will learn from this and they are as follows:

1. Identifying major world history events (WWII, The French Revolution, The Trial of Socrates)
2.  Analyzing what events occurred that lead to these events
3. Relating these historical moments to current events and analyze how we can prevent past events from reoccurring

Next I will discuss three assessments my students will complete so I know they have met the standard.

1. Students will pick a topic of predetermined events where they will write a research paper on said topic. They will write about how either as a state, country, or world can prevent the problem today.
2.  Students will get into groups and research major wars. Then they will present these wars and why they occurred to the class.
3.  I will have students act as major world leaders in past disasters or major events and deliver a speech.

I will finally describe three learning experiments/activities I will use to help students meet the standard.

1. I will set up a field trip where we visit a local museum to see if there are any historical events in our own city that may give us lessons on what to prevent.
2.  Have them create a poster or big board of pictures and points on historical events.
3. Watch a movie about a historical event. After we as a class watch the film, they will write a paper on the major differences from the actual event. Finally discuss why changing the film adaption is necessary or useless. An example would be watching Pocahontas and pointing out the differences such as her real age.  

I believe that this standard is crucial and understanding it can really benefit the students. I think that it is one of the more difficult ones and I as an educator must be able to set up amazing proficiencies, assessments, and learning experiments. In order to not repeat our mistakes we must learn from our history.