Integrating the teaching of new literacy skills into my 8th grade science curriculum is not only necessary, but it seems that it will be rather seamless. This might be the most striking revelation I have had as a result of taking my most recent master’s class, “Supporting Information Literacy and Online Inquiry in the Classroom.” Rather than this being “just another thing” to add to my often overwhelming list of “things to do” during the school year, this course has provided a platform on which to do the things I already do, or that I must do, better.
In developing a lesson plan for teaching new literacy skills, I was able to think critically about each moment of learning in the classroom. One of the most difficult parts of developing my lesson plan was in determining my methods for assessing student acquisition of new literacy skills…how am I going to KNOW that they have learned what they need to in order to effectively use new literacy skills in the classroom, and in their daily lives, not just in playing with information, as they might on social networking sites, but in working with information to accomplish something with meaning and purpose (Laureate Education, Inc., 2008)?
One professional development goal that I have deals with a recent opportunity I had to attend Space Academy for Educators, sponsored by Honeywell, at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL. First, let me encourage all math, science, and technology teachers to apply for this amazing opportunity…it was life-changing for me! There are many, many ways for me to integrate what I have learned in this master’s course with what I learned and experienced at Space Academy with what I currently teach. The goal of the Space Academy program is to inspire teachers to inspire students to excel in the areas of STEM education (science, technology, engineering, and math). The space program needs today’s students to be tomorrow’s experts if the U.S. is to continue to be a world leader. Inquiry-based learning provides the framework and platform for students to master new literacy skills, as well as content skills, needed to accomplish their goals. I plan to continue to develop my proficiency in using new literacy skills myself by conducting research, performing searches using the techniques I have learned in this course, and using the results of my searches to make things happen. Additionally, I would like to use new literacy skills to integrate new skills and lessons learned during my time at Space Academy to inspire my students in STEM education areas. When my students see me getting excited about learning and using what I am learning to make change happen and to do great things, then perhaps they will be inspired to do the same!
References:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2008). Program 13. Supporting Information Literacy and Online Inquiry in the Classroom [Motion picture]. “It’s Not about the Technology”. Baltimore: Author.
U.S. Space and Rocket Center
Huntsville, AL
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