Anna Hallman

I find the best assessments in my content area are performance assessments. Most students can shine and excel in some area of these which make them a safer option and more engaging in a whole class environment. 

The Socratic method is a great and engaging way to get students to think more critically. As a teacher, it is exciting to see the lightbulb moments when using this process. This module did a great job of covering questioning from all levels of knowledge. 

This module addressed the different learning styles and provided great content for strategies to use an instructor to meet all of them.  I personally like an interdisciplinary approach because it brings more real world relevance in a broader sense to students. 

Technology has revolutionized the way accommodations can be provided and it is a universal design in learning platform, which means no one is ostracized for using it because everyone uses it.  There are so many apps that support student learning from text to speech, on screen reader with highlighter, and many more.  

I saw the statistic that only 19% of people with disabilities report them to their employer.  I think this says a lot about our cultural norms around this topic in the workplace. People do not want to have assumed issues as a result of asking for accommodations or making others aware.  We need to work harder to make safer spaces for sharing about disabilities in the workplace.

This module helped me to understand on a more granular level how various disabilities can impact student learning. This information will help me become more aware of potential areas where my students may struggle and need more support. 

I enjoyed learning more about the steps to become a reader.  It is fascinating that there such early infancy steps that cannot even be captured by researchers.  Which means environment and early intervention are critical to a foundation of success.  

I learned new strategies to deal with center-stage students. I like the idea of assigning them the role as "observer". I also like the idea of giving them cards and when the cards are out, they are finished with asking questions.

I already use the WIIFM model but plan to be more intentional about it when not only introducing the syllabus but also new course content.