InTASC Standard #5
Application of Content

Rationale:

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Brief Description of Evidence: In my EDUC 201, Technology in Education class, I created a Makerspace for my future classroom. A makerspace is a space in your classroom where students can be creative, think critically, problem solve, work independently or collaboratively and be more in control of their learning. To explain and show off my makerspace to you, I have created a slideshow highlighting my classroom design and a few of the activities available in my makerspace. My makerspace is constantly expanding and changing to meet the needs of students. Within my slideshow you will find a visual diagram of my classroom layout. The back of my classroom is where my makerspace is located and the two storage cabinets and shelving units where I keep all of my supplies needed for the makerspace activities. I have highlighted five activities that are available in my makerspace. Each activity includes the topic, instructions, objective, standard and the resources/materials that are used. It is also important to mention that the resources have a cost next to them so that the students gain an understanding of what it costs to complete each activity.

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Artifact:

 

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Reflection:

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Analysis of What I Learned: By creating this makerspace, I learned how to create an educational, innovative, hands-on learning space that will foster creative thinking, problem solving, communication and exploration. Including a Makerspace in my classroom will allow the students to work independently or in group settings with hands-on projects that foster innovation and creativity. I believe this is an important aspect to a classroom because it will also enhance communication skills, problem solving skills, leadership skills, technology literacy and flexibility. I think most students will enjoy the opportunity to visit the makerspace and learn something new and exciting that can relate to real world issues. This artifact can relate to John Dewey’s Hands On Learning Approach Theory. John Dewey believed that learners learn best and retain information when they are provided a hands-on learning approach. Allowing students to interact with their environment will give them the ability to adapt and learn (2022). This gives students the ability to think critically and develop their own thoughts, especially when faced with a conflict regarding a real world issue. I believe that in order for our students to be successful in the real world, we need to provide them with experiences that can allow them to be creative, think critically and problem solve.
 

How This Artifact Demonstrates my Competence on the InTASC Standard: I have included this artifact, Welcome to My Makerspace, under Standard 5 Application of Content, because it shows my competency of InTASC Standard 5 because is provides differing perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity and collaborative problem solving.  It shows that I will take the time to provide hands-on, creative activities that will engage students in a variety of ways. It also implements the use of technology literacy. My Makerspace shows that I am capable of applying appropriate Indiana Teaching Standards as well as encouraging students to be creative and innovative problem solvers. This artifact reflects my personal growth and strengths as a teacher because it shows my understanding of the importance of providing students with a space to be creative that also connects with real world issues. It is important as teachers that we are preparing students to be involved members of society when they leave school. My Makerspace will foster independence in critical thinking skills as well as communication skills and the ability to work with others to solve a problem. It also shows my understanding that students need to be interested and engaged in order to learn. This Makerspace is a creative and fun way to get students excited to learn and solve problems. 

Resources

Council of Chief State School Officers. (2013, April). Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium InTASC Model Core Teaching Standards and Learning Progressions for Teachers 1.0: A Resource for Ongoing Teacher Development. Washington, DC: Author.

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Great pedagogical thinkers: John Dewey. Pedagogy4Change. (2022, May 3). Retrieved         March 5, 2023, from https://www.pedagogy4change.org/john-dewey/