Lauren Eckard

I really enjoyed reading about all of the support we can offer students. I especially liked the idea about allowing students to use an app to record a lecture which then provides them a way to study. If you used this app with guided notes, you have hit multiple modalities of learning.

I learned from this module that it is important to have students be self advocates in post secondary education and the workplace. By teaching students coping skills and strategies allows them to be successful later on. 

I like the idea of no notes during the lecture and then having a discussion afterwards. Typically, I have a graphic organizer with the lecture but students tend to get hung up on filling it out vs listening and comrehending the information presented. 

Active learning require critical and analytical thinking skills.Being intentional with your planning allows for appropriate time for both to happen.

This lesson helped me to understand the why behind some of the teaching strategies I use. As a non traditional teacher, I have been given these strategies and just told to use them. Now I know why and how it is effective in the classroom. This lesson also provided me with new strategies such as Webquests and Fishbowl.

It is important to be aware of students culture but also mindful that they may not adopt all parts of their culture. Knowing your students and talking to them is going to help you prepare for this and create an inclusive classroom.

An assessment isn't always a formative assessment. It is important to use journals, checklists etc. to gather data and reflect teaching. 

In the posted video, I found it encouraging to have brief quarterly check ins with students. I specifically like that she asks them "What can I do to help better your learning?". It humanizes us as teachers and allow the students to know we are in their corner and want to make sure they are successful.

I learned that creating a safe and inviting classroom is important to ELL learners. By creating a safe space, it allows learners to make mistakes which in turn allows me to gain data and provide feedback to enhance instruction.

I found it interesting that ELL learn conversational English first. Even though, they can hold a conversation, content knowledge still may be a barrier. It is important to meet them where they are.