INTASC #_____9______

• Brief Description of Evidence:

    This artifact is a journal that I kept during the four weeks I spent at Muncie Southside High School. I reflected on each day and how I felt about the lessons, activities and my personal teaching style. I thought about things that went well, and formulated ideas for ways to improve. This was an important tool for me because it was a way to express my feelings in a constructive way.  

• Analysis of What I Learned:

     Through keeping this journal, I grew as a professional. Writing down my feelings and thoughts about the class period enabled me to gain insight into teaching strategies, classroom management and personal philosophies. I also learned how to reflect upon my own teaching, and make note of things that need to be improved upon. As a professional, I learned that it is important to always be self-reflecting and searching for ways to make each day better.    

• How This Artifact Demonstrates my Competence on the INTASC Principle:

    By journaling after each class period, I understand the different ways in which teachers can engage in self-assessment. I understand that my teaching has an impact on the students’ growth and learning. Through reflection, I am able to identify weaknesses and thoughtfully improve in those areas. I believe that learning is an ongoing process, which is never perfect. Therefore, self-reflection is an ongoing process that stimulates critical thinking about one’s self. I am devoted to seeking out every opportunity to develop and continually learn, journaling is a tool that allows me to do so. I reflected a lot upon what happened in the classroom and how students behaved. I believe that classroom observation is essential because it allows one to revise one’s current philosophy or process and make it more effective.