Part 1: A Personal Reflection As I complete and reflect on my ImagineIt project this year, my students strengthened their mathematical discourse and use of vocabulary by integrating technology to enhance their learning with a variety of student created digital vocabulary projects. I experimented with the flipped classroom approach with our exponents unit. Students created lessons on the ShowMe app based on one of the Rules of Exponents. Then, after their assessment, they were able to use their peer’s lessons as a resource for their post-assessment activity. For next year, I will continue to enhance my ImangineIt project and look into adding resources and other apps and tools for the projects. I will create my own flipped lessons, one unit at a time.
My long term goal entails taking what I have learned in the MSUrbanSTEM program with my ImagineIt project and partnering with a fellow from my school and his ImagineIt project and having professional developments and cycles for professional learning to strengthen and increase STEM in our building. All of our resources and experiences combined, with the support of the administration, can build on Nobel’s understanding of STEM and how it can be enhanced in everyone’s classroom. I plan on meeting with our Math Coach during the summer to prepare for the next school year.
I would also like to sponsor after school enrichment programs that entail STEM activities, such as lego robotics and coding. I believe this will provide Noble’s students and families with opportunities to explore and understand the meaning of STEM through hands-on approaches enhancing creativity across the disciplines.
As I continue to learn, explore, and strengthen my own STEM expertise, it is necessary to expand my Personal Learning Network. I am very fortunate to have the support from my administration and colleagues at my school. They value the work that I do and see the growth my students have shown throughout the year. Through the MSUrbanSTEM program, I have expanded my network through Facebook and Twitter. I also use the internet as a resource to research and get ideas to use for lessons.