In order to successfully foster learner development, the teacher must first understand and recognize the patterns of how a learner can be expected to develop cognitively, linguistically, socially, emotionally, and physically. Then, the teacher can use that information to design and implement developmentally appropriate and challenging lessons. Teachers cannot effectively instruct if they are trying to teach material that is either far above or below the students’ abilities. By understanding the development of each student, the educator can identify opportunities for growth within individual learners and better differentiate instruction.
I demonstrate my understanding of this professional standard through my implementation of a Pre-Test prior to the start of a new unit. By assessing individual learner development before the instruction began, I was able to plan developmentally appropriate lessons that challenged each student. I used the same assessment as a Post-Test after the unit, which allowed me to record student growth and measure development.
I also demonstrate my understanding of this standard through the use of class journals. I strongly believe that journaling is a unique and powerful way to engage students in class material. Aside from giving students regular opportunities to practice their writing skills, journaling creates an informal setting where I can frequently check in with students about their learning and provide feedback. Journals are an excellent tool for monitoring student development in the classroom. To help my students feel even more invested in the journaling process, I introduced this routine with a crafty activity where I demonstrated how students could make their own journals and then gave them the time and materials to do so in class.
Another way I implement this standard is through assessing prior knowledge with the Into the Wild Webquest activity. Students had to research authors who heavily influenced Chris McCandless and create an oral presentation to share with the class. Students had to include biographical information and connect their author’s ideas to the Transcendentalist ideas we had previously learned about. This assignment helped prime students for the content they were about to consume with a flipped-style assignment that stimulated their prior knowledge. It also helped me as a teacher understand how prepared my students were to learn about the philosophical elements pertinent to Into the Wild.
For more information about my perspective on this professional standard, please see my reflections on learner development.