Self

Reflection

For my teacher work sample I have analyzed and synthesized the

assessments I have created and given throughout teaching a 1st grade Social Studies
unit on maps. I compared pre and post assessments, as well as formative and
summative assessments throughout the unit. I was pleased to find that while some
of my assessments needed to have questions that incorporate all parts of the
common core, many were aligned and valid in representing student knowledge.

It has been interesting comparing results amongst the students in my

classroom. Ive noticed that some of my higher students miss questions that my
lower students dont and vice versa. Ive gained a greater understanding for the way
my students think, and how I can teach better to each of their abilities. Ive noticed
certain struggles that students face with questions. Throughout this experience Ive
learned to adjust it right then and there, whereas before I didnt quite feel that I was
able to change anything I needed to stick to the plan, and then modify for future
lessons. I have really been able to see an issue students in the class might face,
modify what needs to be and then move forward with the lesson. There is so much
flexibility needed in teaching, and I feel that this project has really helped me gain an
understanding for that. Ive also learned through analyzing data that some students
just have off days. Ive allowed some students to redo or retake some assessments,
and I believe that it truly is the best thing to do for the student.

After collaborating with my mentor teacher on this unit, I felt very confident

in what needed to be included in the lessons. I was excited about integrating

technology into the lessons, and knew that these lessons would be fun and insightful

to teach. While teaching these lessons I wanted students to feel safe with me,
especially as I began taking over their classroom. The pre-assessment was really my
first instruction time with the students and a great opportunity for me to let
students know they are safe. I gave explicit instructions on the pre-assessment, that
if students didnt know the answer to the questions just put a question mark by and
dont worry about it which was very reassuring to many. I also had an experience
with the post assessment where one student was really distraught that he had
completed the assessment backwards and was in tears, and I kindly reassured him
that it was okay, and if he wanted to he could take it again the next day. He and
many other students who were worried felt relieved, and I have seen in my 9 weeks
student teaching that they feel physically and emotionally safe in our room.

The success of the students throughout the many assessments I had given,

and their ability to participate in conversations throughout the lessons has shown
me how successful my lessons were. With an 82% of the class passing the post
assessment (at an 82%) I feel that I have successfully taught this mapping unit. The
students loved and enjoyed it too. I integrated technology by using Google Earth,
and we would zoom into students houses, and determine what physical and man-
made features were near their homes, and we would determine the direction they
lived from the school. Students would ask, When are we going to be learning about
maps again? When will we get to zoom into my house? The conversations I had
with 1st graders seemed remarkable to me. There was an instance where we had
zoomed into a students neighborhood, and we couldnt quite find their house on the
street. I then asked the student to tell me which direction he thought we needed to

go to get to his house. He began to tell me go that way, which I stopped and said Im
not sure which direction you are talking about could you use the cardinal
directions? From then on as we would zoom into students houses, and couldnt quite
find the right one, students would then describe where I needed to go by using the
cardinal directions. I was so impressed with their ability to do so, and so proud of
them as well! I made this unit personal to students, and their performance in their
assessments shows that these students really understood the lessons that I taught.
Ive loved getting to know them better, and understand the way many of students
learn.
This was very helpful for me to understand different ways to take
assessments that are given to students and break them down a little further to see
specifically what students need within my own instruction. I find it will be
extremely helpful when I am in my own classroom and need to analyze my students.
It has helped me see the importance of analyzing assessments for students so that I
can see their growth, what concepts they may not understand, and to determine if
students are really ready to move on to the next step.