2.

2 Research-Based Learner-Centered Strategies Candidates model and facilitate the use of

research-based, learner-centered strategies addressing the diversity of all students. (PSC
2.2/ISTE 2b)

Standard 2.2 Teaching, Learning, and Assessment

Reflection: The artifact that reflects mastery of Standard 2.2 is a lesson plan designed for a
collaborative learning opportunity with a friend of mine who is a childrens author and a pilot for
a major airline in Atlanta. The lesson plan reflects a student-centered learning task and follows
the template and guiding questions established by ISTE. This lesson plan details the standards
addressed, the purpose of the lesson, assessment techniques, and differentiation strategies
addressed. This lesson specifically addressed the fourth grade standards for Science and English
Language Arts. The planning portion of this lesson required the utilization of research based
instructional strategies. These strategies insured the authenticity and effectiveness of the lesson.
The design and structure of the lesson allowed for a student centered learning opportunity. This
project was guided by the students interests in a specific weather anomaly. The design of the
lesson allowed the students to pick out their individual weather anomaly and to develop a
presentation that they would deliver at the end of the project. Differentiation was addressed
through the use of word processing software and read aloud software that gave all students equal
access to grade level content materials. This lesson allowed students to demonstrate their
learning in a relevant and meaningful way and supported students as they shared their project
electronically with the collaborating author/pilot. This lesson allowed for the modeling of
research based best practices during the instructional design phase of the lesson. The
development and utilization of this lesson was an important learning tool for me. It allowed me
to learn the components of an ISTE lesson plan. It also showed me the benefit of using
technology as a differentiation tool to address the learning needs of all the students found in
todays classroom. I completed research for this project on student centered learning
opportunities. I learned the benefits of student driven instruction on achievement and knowledge
acquisition. This information " will carry forward in future learning opportunities for my
students. This lesson was actually implemented with my students, which allowed me to assess
and evaluate the impact on student learning in real time. I used a pre-test on the science content
standards for fourth grade on climate and weather to ascertain prior knowledge. After completing
the assignment, a post test was given and the results were analyzed. The results of the post-test
showed a significant increase in content knowledge on weather anomalies. The digital
presentations created by the students were also used as a measure of success for this learning
opportunity. Ongoing assessment was completed through all phases of the project.