GAME Plan

Prior to reviewing the NETS-T indicators for teachers, I felt that I was fairly proficient with technology within my classroom, given the limited resources available. While I do feel that I utilize what equipment we do have in an appropriate manner and on a regular basis, I also realize that I fall short in many areas. My natural inclination is to provide an enormous amount of details for assignments, which may stifle student creativity, and certainly eliminates any guess work on their part that could lead to innovative thinking. In order to strengthen my abilities within the classroom, and better prepare my students for higher education, or the real world, I have devised the following plan.

Goals - Increase student learning and creativity by providing more real world issues and/or authentic problems and the opportunity to collaborate more widely outside of the classroom walls.

Action: Incorporate more problem based learning activities in the classroom that will encourage creativity, innovation, and collaboration.

Monitor: In order to monitor my progress in implementing an in depth project based learning activity, I will work collaboratively with my inclusion colleague to compile and complete a project based unit for a particular grade level. Not only will this collaboration enhance the final product, but will also create accountability for a particular deadline.

Evaluate: Periodic project checks and collaborative action meetings will help maintain the progress of the development of the project. In addition, I will review other project based learning activities posted in my state and in others as well. Of course, the ultimate evaluation will take place in the classroom once the unit is implemented. By reflecting and predicting the response of the students, I will then be able to better meet their needs throughout the process and improve the unit for future use.

As I look at the development of new curriculum for the next school year, the implementation of project based learning is essential. I look forward to developing new and innovative academic opportunities for the students.