Carring Out My Game Plan

The two goals that I have created for my action plan are to: create more meaningful learning experiences that involve the use of digital tools and promote creative thinking in the classroom. Now that I have created these two goals, I need to develop a plan of action that will help me to carry out the plan.

In order to create more meaningful learning experiences that involve the use of digital tools I need to use my self-directed learning skills and seek out professional development opportunities that involve the use of technology in teaching mathematics. One person that might be able to help me with this is our district math coach who not only helps develop trainings, but knows of other trainings offered throughout the state. Once I have experienced the trainings and understand what tools have been developed, I then need to look into Grant’s and other funding possibilities for purchasing new classroom technology that supports the math content. Connecting newly acquired technology to the seventh grade math curriculum will help me to develop the meaningful learning experiences that motivate students, while meeting the needs of diverse learners at the same time.

Once the learning experiences have been created it is important to then focus on my second goal of promoting creative thinking in the classroom. When it comes to classroom management techniques I think that the best advice comes from other teachers who have created effective learning environments; therefore, I will seek out those who may have recommendations on how to accomplish this goal. According to Cennamo, Ross and Ertmer, “Sharing what you have discovered with your colleagues is a critical step in improving your instructional effectiveness” (2009, p. 115). Although my colleagues may have great ideas, it will be important for me to seek additional information about my incoming students for next year. This way I will have a clear understanding of specific learning needs and can brainstorm ways of accommodating them before running into issues with the various learning experiences.

Although these goals may take time, I have already started to look forward to next year by focusing on creating learning experiences that involve creative mathematical thinking. This summer I will attend two or three different professional development opportunities directly related to my goals and have talked with other educators who have had success promoting creative thinking in the classroom. I plan to post these goals close to my desk so that I can stay focused on them throughout the school year.

References:

Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach (Laureate Education custom edition). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.