B.Ed Year 1 Artifacts
Artifact 1: Science Experiments
During first semester I was enrolled in an intermediate general science class. Where we discussed the best methods and practices for teaching science from grades 7-10. A large part of keeping students engaged in this mandatory class is to have opportunities for hands on learning. Thus, we were lucky enough to spend an entire class working through some of the common science experiments we would lead in a science class. Giving us as future teachers the opportunity to reflect on how these activities could be most effectively implemented, how to connect it to the curriculum, and how to best access students work from from the activity. An example of one of these experiments is pictured here, where the can is heated and then dropped into a bucket of hot water, “magically” crushing the can.
Artifact 2: Working with Sensors
Another class I had during first semester was a Senior Biology class. Where we participated in a sensors workshop to be able to integrate technology into science and biology classes. On top of gaining actual knowledge of how to use the individual sensors, this workshop reinforces the role of inquiry-based learning and further encourages the professional growth mindset. This workshop was a great opportunity to interact with local experts, learning strategies for how to incorporate these technologies into the classroom. Pictured here is two sensors, measuring force (N) of grip strength and EMG (mV) in the muscles, allowing for the comparison of the two.
Artifact 3: Schooling and Society Issue Fair
A class everyone in my cohort had to take during first semester was “Schooling and Society”. Where over the semester we discussed issues in society as well as issues in the school setting, and then reflected on how they intersected. Our end of semester presentation was an issue’s fair, where each of us had our own issue and a poster that everyone could walk around to see. The pictured presented here is of my poster board, regarding the lack of inclusion in physical education. Outlining the importance of physical education in setting students up for a healthy lifestyle, and that still to this day many students feel excluded from in their gym class activities. Calling for my specific inclusive language in the phys-ed curriculum to promote an equal opportunity for all. The truth is there were actually many posted I think were even better than mine. Some of the posters of my classmates covered issues such as harmful dress codes, the efficacy of standardized testing, and the current teacher shortage. Getting to learn from my own research, as well as the research of my piers was a fantastic opportunity to further my knowledge of the current issues surrounding education.
Artifact 4: Indigenous Field Trip
This semester our First Nations, Inuit, and Metis Education class toured our nation’s capital to strengthen our understanding of Indigenous history and perspectives within our local context. This really emphasizes the importances of place based learning, and keeping teaching relative. Allowing for students to connect to the material, and reflect on their personal experiences. I plan to include learning similar to this in my classes, especially regarding Indigenous learning.
Artifact 5: Thought Chronicles
Over this year of teachers college, we have been asked to complete a “Thought Chronicles” assignment, where on certain weeks we reflect on the material we have been learning. This has been a great opportunity to reflect on meaningful moments over the year, and how they impact my personal pedagogy as a future classroom teacher. Attached below is a link to the google doc containing all of those reflections.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/14mnZpIyqwqWU_fMvIkgOh6D9wbtZrzvtb63_6jqMR-U/edit?usp=sharing