Final Reflection by DAWN PEREZ https://padlet.com/axp7316/8yn1jrfrlqu0iulz 529 en-us 2021-05-17 20:33:17 UTC 2025-09-28 14:00:54 UTC hello@padlet.com axp7316 https://padlet.com/axp7316/8yn1jrfrlqu0iulz/wish/1533095213 When implement the intervention via Seesaw, I learned that the teacher needs to also reflect on their instructional choices, and ask for feedback from students and colleagues. I have a paraprofessional in my class, and I have made it a habit to check in with her on a weekly basis to get her feedback on the activities, and how we can design and revise them in the future. Having these discussions to get an outside perspective on my own teaching is valuable since my own learning does not have a finish line]]> 2021-05-17 20:36:11 UTC https://padlet.com/axp7316/8yn1jrfrlqu0iulz/wish/1533095213 This platform is an amazing resource. When I first heard about it from my colleagues, it was dismissed as something that was more for elementary students, and not appropriate for middle school students. Overall, I found that most of my students enjoyed the platform, and that it is user friendly, and is not overwhelming to use once you have more practice with it. Eventually, I will make assignments more open ended for students to choose and decide which tools they want to use to best explain and show their thinking. I have also found it to be a great resource when writing and holding IEP meetings. Many parents get to see the work and have told me that their child feels proud to be able to show their work in a safe space. axp7316 https://padlet.com/axp7316/8yn1jrfrlqu0iulz/wish/1533105981 2021-05-17 20:40:06 UTC https://padlet.com/axp7316/8yn1jrfrlqu0iulz/wish/1533105981 axp7316 https://padlet.com/axp7316/8yn1jrfrlqu0iulz/wish/1533118251 This is the area of growth for me. I am making a more conscious effort to pair written and verbal feedback for students, on a consistent basis. Next year I plan to teach and model students giving feedback to one another, moving beyond praises such as good job. Focusing on academic vocabulary, and having a deep understanding of the mathematical language is an area that I need to constantly revisit so the students have the proper tools and language to use when they are looking at one another's work.]]> 2021-05-17 20:44:46 UTC https://padlet.com/axp7316/8yn1jrfrlqu0iulz/wish/1533118251 axp7316 https://padlet.com/axp7316/8yn1jrfrlqu0iulz/wish/1533134028 I was a child development major, so it was nice to revisit the learning theories that I learned before I was in the classroom. Ten years as a special educator has taught me that understanding learning theory is valuable, but there is no one theory that truly prepares you for the field. So while it is important to know the different theories, understanding that there is no one size fits all approach to education is equally important. As educators, we need to remain flexible and understand the individuality of the families and students that we serve, and that learning outcomes and environments should reflect the diversity of our students' needs as well.]]> 2021-05-17 20:50:58 UTC https://padlet.com/axp7316/8yn1jrfrlqu0iulz/wish/1533134028 axp7316 https://padlet.com/axp7316/8yn1jrfrlqu0iulz/wish/1533146658 This year has challenged us in ways that we were not prepared for. Many of the families I work with already struggled before the pandemic, and we were all affected in various ways. Some of my students were separated from their parents, lost loved ones, struggled with motivation, didn't have adequate wifi access, cared for a sibling, etc. Whenever I spoke with a parent or guardian, I made it a point to listen first, and not make any judgments about their situation, because the reality is we are not aware of what is going on in each household and the challenges they may be facing. My administrator did an amazing job to remind us to show grace to these families. In my heart, I believe families are doing the best they can. They may not know all the answers or resources for help, but if they ever need it, I want them to know that I am in service to them. Building and maintaining relationships among our communities was more important to me than an assignment they forgot to turn in.]]> 2021-05-17 20:56:15 UTC https://padlet.com/axp7316/8yn1jrfrlqu0iulz/wish/1533146658 axp7316 https://padlet.com/axp7316/8yn1jrfrlqu0iulz/wish/1533177130 Although my case study topic was not originally in my I wonder Padlet, looking back I was interested in engagement and the development of academic vocabulary. After conducting the action research, I noticed that both of these were important parts of my studies as I reflect on feedback, and how it is tied to academic vocabulary. When my students look at each other's work, I know they want to be able to explain their thinking, but struggle with finding the correct language. I will continue to support with academic language. Engagement was also another topic I was interested in, and I find that I had to be strategic about the tools and platforms I use to keep engagement levels high. One way i can help increase it is by giving students choice in the various activities. For example, I have been using IXL to reinforce math skills but I have also been giving students time to explore the different activities and skills they want to practice. Since many of my students have different needs, it allows to to differentiate the activities.]]> 2021-05-17 21:08:52 UTC https://padlet.com/axp7316/8yn1jrfrlqu0iulz/wish/1533177130