INTASC Standard #5: Application of Content

The teacher understands how to connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem solving related to authentic local and global issues.

 

Rationale & Disposition Statement

As our student populations become more diverse, it is imperative that we as teachers and curriculum developers broaden our experiences and knowledge of a variety of cultures in an attempt to understand other people’s values and situations from outside our own perspectives (Ornstein, 2011). We must understand others in order to create an inclusive curriculum, which promotes what we can gain from sharing our unique differences. 21st Century Skills require students to work collaboratively with cultural understanding and empathy. Students must be able to think critically and in innovate ways to solve problems.

 

Reference

Ornstein, A. (2011). Philosopy as a basis for curriculum decisions. In A. Ornstein, E. Pajak, & S. Ornstein (Eds.), Contemporary Issues in Curriculum (pp. 2-9). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.

 

Application of Standard

I assign multiple research projects in which students share cultural information with the class so we can all learn more about one another and different cultures. 

 

Explaination of Artifacts

Artifact #1

The Methods in Curriculum paper reviews how I develop curriculum and addresses our evolving student population.

 

Artifact #2

The Grade 9 Unit Project engages students in connecting many concepts related to themselves. Students must research their family history, cultural heritage, contemporary American culture, and identify the elements and principles design used in the cultural textiles. 

 

Artifact #3

The 2013 Prairie Vision Institute was themed, From STEM to STEAM. Throughout the week long workshop, we focused on cross-curricular projects based in nature. We worked with science, math, engineering, history, environmentalism, nature, and art to address a current social issue.