Taimi Barty

It was really helpful for me to see an example of an actual curriculum map for a Pre-Professional Teacher Practicum course in a Family Consumer Science program. Material management is such a huge time sink for CTE teachers and I hope that by employing the curriculum map, I'll be able to organize everything that's needed for the unit in a better way and hopefully stream line it for future years. 

I also like the "muddiest point" as a form of check in as a formative assessment. I've tried most of the other methods but this is a new idea.

I sometimes place various tools on the table and ask the students to name and describe what they are used for, at the beginning of the year. It adds a tactile component that the bingo games does not provide. It's usually fun for the students and they realize they've learned a lot already.

I learned that Bloom’s Taxonomy is a system to ensure student learning moves from simple to more complex. What I need to look into more is the horizontal and vertical alignment. The vertical is more logical in that each year will build upon the last but I need to figure out how to align with other institutions in my state to make sure that I'm touching on the same learning objectives and outcomes as other schools for that specific year.

The section on teacher liability is terrifying. I teach wood shop and there are so many ways that accidents can happen. I, of course, do all that I can to create a safe environment but we are all just human and mistakes happen.  On a lighter note, I like the comment “A rule is a DARE to be broken, whereas a procedure is not.

I learned about Maslow’s Hierarchy. It is obvious in many ways but I like the simplicity of it. We all need our basic physical needs met before we can move up the chart to feeling safetly, then belonging then esteem and finally self acutallization. It is helpful to know where each student needs to be met.

I, too, am greatful that my HS provided me with a mentor. At the time it seemed a bit like just more work, but in hindsight I realize that she was a very important part of my initial success. 

Comment on Beverly Broyles's post: Yes, I agree. Academia is full of acronyms and this is a helpful tool.

I appreciated the subject of acronyms. I am in my 5th year as CTE teacher and finally feel like I have a handle on all the acronyms that I did not know about when I first started. It would have been good to take this course when I first started so I'd be aware but then again, there was a lot going on in the beginning and there's only so much time in the day.

I love teaching CTE classes. There is never a dull moment, the kids are constantly in motion and often say, wow I can't believe class is already over. That feels like a successful class!

Comment on Elizabeth Sykora's post: I also did not know about the High Quality CTE. I look forward to learning more.