Amanda Parker Title: Content Knowledge and Lesson Planning Date: Fall 2013 Artifact Description: The scores

of my PPST and Praxis II Exams

ALIGNMENT Wisconsin Teacher Standard Alignment This experience best aligns with Standard One of the Wisconsin State Teaching Standards which states: The teacher understands the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the disciplines she or he teaches and can create learning experiences that make these aspects of subject matter meaningful for pupils. My PPST and Praxis II exam scores show that I understand the central concepts of Music Education in the most objective way possible: standardized testing. My scores, specifically that of my Music: Content Knowledge exam show that I am well-versed and knowledgeable of my content area and possess the understanding to deliver the subject to my pupils. My lesson plan is from High School Choir rehearsal. This lesson plan shows my ability to transfer my knowledge to meaningful experiences and material that my students can learn from. I use several approaches to the material that allow each of my students to be successful learners in my classroom. I use my ability as a performer and as an educator to foster the development of my students education in music. Students become self-motivated learners, and they tend to help their peers better understand materials presented in class until the class is functioning as a single body. It is important in an educator role that I have the ability to present the content in a variety of ways using a variety of mediums. I understand the concept of children learning differently and make my classroom and delivery of my content knowledge attainable for every student. In some cases, the use of technology is applicable and helpful in the learning process, and I strive to find ways to incorporate technology appropriately in my classroom. My students are successful learners of music because I am able to present my own understanding of the subject material in a way that appeals to my students. UW-Platteville School of Education Knowledge, Skill, Disposition Statement Alignment This experience best aligns with KSD1.a which states: The candidate displays extensive content knowledge of his/her subject areas and demonstrates a continuing search for new content knowledge, resources, and best instructional practices, while understanding student diversity and student misconceptions and misunderstandings as key to the teaching process. This experience is most applicable to this KSD alignment because my Praxis exams confirm that I have extensive content knowledge of my subject area. I possess an understanding of my content area and strive to foster the education of it to my students. I also have taken a Vocal Pedagogy class which has taught me how to teach my subject area, and I seek out new and fresh ways to teach my students about music. Secondary Alignments: KS3.c

REFLECTION What I learned about teaching/learning: About teaching and learning, I learned that students can only understand the content material that is being taught if the instructor understands what they are teaching. It is imperative in a classroom

that the understanding and interpretation of content material is accurate, accessible and meaningful to students of every age and ability. I learned that knowing the material that I am teaching thoroughly makes me a much more successful teacher as well. What I learned about myself as a prospective educator: As a prospective educator, I learned that knowing and understanding my content area is of absolute importance in my classroom. I cannot expect my students to understand the material if I do not understand the material or how to teach it. As a prospective educator, it is my job to explore new ways to teach old material so that students will take interest and learn the material for themselves.