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** 5. Teachers know how to manage a classroom. ** The teacher uses an understanding of individual and group motivation and behavior to create a learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation.

Evidence 5:

Rationale 5: This unit was developed in EDT672-Teaching and Learning Online. I took a unit that I already teach and turned it into a partial online course. Students are taught how to set up a budget, make adjustments to that according to circumstance and also effective manage money through a checking account. They use their own interests and situations in their planning and shopping. The planned unit gives students the opportunity to gain skills in mathematics while learning how to use effective time-management and appropriate interaction with peers via an online discussion forum. The unit consists of individual and group activities. Students are given specific assignments and reasonable time constraints in which to get their individual work done, therefore encouraging self-motivation. Throughout the unit students are required to interact with one another on an online discussion board as well as in classroom discussions. Here they are encouraged to share thoughts and ideas about their learning and work.

By creating this unit I personally developed an understanding and respect for online learning. This course at Marian was completely online therefore I was able to experience first hand how it creates a unique learing environment. Having the structure of time frames for assignments created a safe place to work at my own pace which was very motivating for me. I am now able to facilitate a unit for my students that would provide that same environment.

KSD 5.K.1.: The teacher can use knowledge of human motivation and behavior drawn from the foundational sciences of psychology, anthropology, and sociology to develop strategies for organizing and supporting individual and group work.

In setting up this unit I took into account that many students of middle school age are just learning how to self-manage their time and their work and many of them don’t see the need to try. Getting them self-motivated for academics is at times challenging so I have them use their own interests and situations in their projects. By setting up the unit as a partial online class I provide structure to their experience while still giving them freedom to figure out the best ways to get their work done outside of class. If I were to send them into this unit without the guidelines and support, many students would not be able to be successful and would not be motivated to complete their work.

5.S.6.: The teacher analyzes the classroom environment and makes decisions and adjustments to enhance social relationships, student motivation and engagement, and productive work.

Having taught part of this unit solely in the classroom I was able to see that some students were more motivated to work than others and at times students did not want to discuss with their peers what they were doing. I have realized that some students share more in their writing rather than face to face. By changing some components of the learning to an online setting, I will be able to provide a safer environment for those students to discuss their learning and share with their classmates.

5.D.2.: The teacher understands how participation supports commitment, and is committed to the expressionadn use of democratic values in the classroom.

Getting the students to participate in discussions about their work helps to make their work more meaningful. By using online discussion questions, students are free to express their thoughts and ideas within a guided setting.