Module 3: Response to PowerPoints

Overview of Assessments:

I enjoyed reading the PowerPoint on assessments. One particular thing that stuck out to me was the slide that stated, “Primary purpose for assessment is to improve both teaching and learning.” Assessments and the results of those assessments are what drive my instruction. I want to ensure that my students and fully comprehending the content I present to them. All of the assessments I give serve a purpose for my students and me. Throughout student teaching I would frequently use both formative and summative assessments. For example, during a math lesson I would have the students answer a math problem on their whiteboard, showing me their work. If I noticed mistakes in their work, I was able to take a small group and work with those students (if only a few were struggling) or go through the steps with them until they became more knowledgeable about the process.

Literacy Strategies Project:

I loved this PowerPoint! Phonics is something I have personally struggled with understanding in the past. As a young reader I never received the proper instruction when it came to phonics and I believe it affected me as I progressed in reading. Needless to say, teaching phonics is something I like to have extra emphasis on since I have such a connection with it. The PowerPoint pointed out that students should spend 1-2 years developing phonics skills. It is important for teachers to remember not to bore students with worksheets continually. As the PowerPoint mentioned, students can apply their phonics skills through writing. Phonics can be taught all of the parts relating to one another and the whole concept. Students primarily learn phonics through read-alouds, shared reading, guided reading, and individual conferences. It is important to remember when teaching phonics is that the focus should be determining meaning, not to put emphasis on phonics and phonemic awareness. The primary focus of reading to teach phonics as a building block to determine meaning.