Teaching Lesson

I selected to do my lesson without students present so I did it on the webcam. I developed my lesson for 9th grade Algebra I. I like to use polynomials so I picked a lesson I created that deals with monomials, binomials, and trinomials. I instructed in phases or gave myself only a certain amount of time to do certain task. My fist part or phase was the Countdown (the Review) which accounts for 5% of the lesson. I had the students identify like terms. I hypothetically called on students to identify terms I had written on the simulated chalk board in a classroom. I demonstrated the Distribution Property when combining like terms. For inclusive students I used the Set Model (black chips represent positive and red chips represent negative). I explained that black and red chips cancel each other. This model gives the students a visual representation of adding and subtracting integers. After this I went to the Launch phase (Motivation) 15% of the lesson. This is the reason that students should listen to the teacher and learn about polynomials. Here I had a student read the objective so that the students know what we are about to cover as well as given them the key terms and definitions. I explained the real world application of understanding polynomials. One example I used was how polynomials are used in construction planning. I in addition to this demonstrated how the binomials (x + 1) (x + 2) can be multiplied and represented in a geometric figure used for construction. With critical literacy I used the textbook Rethinking Mathematics chapter 4 (Historical, Cultural, and Social implications of Mathematics). I connected the prefix poly that means several with multiculturalism for my theme to introduce polynomials. The Work Session 60% of the lesson was my next phase. I introduced the students to the different types of polynomials. Monomials are one term polynomials and I would demonstrate to the students what one terms look like- 7 is one term, 7m is one term, as well as a . I could supplement this method with the use of flash cards that students could learn to identify polynomials. The next polynomial was the two term polynomial the binomials were 9x + 7y and 8m + 6m are binomials. Trinomials are represented by three terms- 8m + 6m + 5 is a trinomial. After I instructed the students on identifying polynomials I had the students classify polynomials by having the students select various terms. For example I had the students classify whether x + y + z is what type of polynomial and the student would respond trinomial. I created seven problems like this for student engagement of the lesson. I followed this up with students finding the degree of polynomials and the degree of terms. The work session ended with critical reading text and students answering BCR in the exit slip. My last phase was the Summary Activity (20%) of the lesson. This is their assessment as to how much the students have learned while in the classroom. Basically I have the students answer certain questions about polynomials and the critical reading text. The students must pass with 90% accuracy in order to exit the classroom. If they fail they must re-take the text to leave. If necessary I can have the students complete the BCR for homework if time runs out.





Evaluate this course (including activities, readings, and instructor
I find this course to be a course that is thought provoking where the students can engage their content area with other available resources like blogger pages, critical reading text, and technology that will enhance the learning environment for both the teacher and students who use this course. The students can learn multiple strategies to instruct in their classrooms with literacy and technology. Critical reading texts for mathematics are available in print as well as on certain web sites. Critical reading can bridge the gape towards students understanding of bias and ethics in social and political issues. The instructor provided a learning environment for the students to be independent learners where technology and literacy can be tools for content area teacher to provide the best practical experience for the learners in their classrooms. I find the activities, the reading assignments, and the instructor very supportive of learning that must take place in schools all over the world.
Evaluate your performance in the course
I feel that I am a very hard worker and performer that try to excel in all that I do. I like to teach someday. I will do my best to be ready when that day arrives. I completed all my work with the best abilities I could perform. Even through I am not real good with some technological aspects of the course- blogging, web cam, and youtube- I feel that I worked hard and professionally to be the best I could. I have learned the value of critical reading in the content area and will do my best to utilize this theory in practice when I teach.
Provide recommendations to improve the effectiveness of the course
Have students work more together. There are students who have good skills with technology then others. They can provide some assistance to the ones who do not. It can be over the blogger page. I feel that some students could have given some feedback to students who needed assistance.
Any additional closing thoughts or comments
The course is in reality to how teachers could teach in the classroom with critical reading and technology. Subject contents are not the only matter that teachers could be concerned with. It is the right of the child to receive the best education possible- the right to literacy should be the cornerstone of children education.