teachingpractices Ms. Turpen

The following verbs help to describe my teaching practices this year:


Differentiate:  I believe that all students learn in different ways.  Therefore it is important to vary the methods used in presenting information.  This helps generate student interest, participation and academic achievement.  I use a variety of texts and resources to help my students understand this time period.  Ideally I want to use primary sources whenever possible and teaching 20th Century history has afforded me a greater opportunity to do so.  Many of my students’ parents, grandparents, friends or neighbors have presented their experiences of the last century to my classes.   Please feel free to volunteer or let me know of family or friends that would take the time to talk with our class.

Integrate:  I enjoy finding opportunities to use music, art, and drama to help tell the wonderful story of our country.  I also take every opportunity to use technology to enhance instruction.  This includes newer devices such as our wireless computer labs, digital cameras and our classroom performance system (the kids call this the remote controls) as well as older tech tools such as microphones and slide projectors. 
Please visit my webpage to find information on the topics we are currently studying, links to great sites, and fun games for study help.  Within the next month my page will also include my homework assignments.
http://www.quia.com/pages/turpen.html
You can also link to this page from the homework section on the Pizitz website:
http://www.vestavia.k12.al.us/pizitz/

Concentrate:  Our school is focusing on brain-based learning this year.  (This sounds strange because where else would you learn but your brain!)  New research into how the adolescent brain works will influence the way I teach and my classroom environment.  Our rotating schedule already in place is based on this research.   Here are other ideas I would like to implement
1. Offer choice whenever and wherever possible
2. Short-term memory only lasts 20 seconds therefore, I plan to keep instructions brief
3. Try to always connect new knowledge to students’ previous life experiences
4. Require more complex thinking for learning improvement
5. Use incandescent lighting when possible and keep window shades open, especially in the winter


Cooperate:  I believe strongly in the power of cooperative learning.  For that reason many of my activities are group based.  Students learn the importance of this life skill as they begin to work together to achieve a common goal.  I use a multiple-ability approach to cooperative learning. I first carefully prepare students to work together, design high-level group work tasks, and divide the class into heterogeneous groups.  After practice and role-playing, groups are able to resolve any problems that may arise without unnecessary teacher intervention.





Last updated  2010/04/20 16:40:15 CDTHits  551