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 * 4 Teachers know how to teach. **
 * The teacher understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies, including the use of technology, to encourage children's development of critical thinking, problem solving, and performance skills.**

Evidence 1: Wiki spaces project Spanish V Wiki Project

Rationale 1: I used this project with my seniors last year as an assessment for our literature unit. I intend to use it again this year during the second semester with the same unit. I was surprised to learn that none of my students had used a wiki before so not only was the topic of the project challenging but the technology was new as well. I, too, was met with many challenges as our IT department had to make some changes to accommodate for wiki usage.

KSD

4.K.2 The teacher understands principles and techniques, along with advantages and limitations, associated with various instructional strategies (e.g. cooperative learning, direct instruction, discovery learning, whole group discussion, independent study, interdisciplinary instruction). Since I have done this pilot project some of the students who were involved are now university students and have told me that knowing how to use a wiki was a useful tool for college.

This unit began with a lot of direct instruction and cooperative learning as they started to read a piece of literature that was written entirely in Spanish. As they gained confidence and experience, their reading assignments became more independent. Group discussion was a part of every chapter. In the end, the wiki assignment was cooperative again but also required students to work individually from home.

4.S.4 The teacher varies his or her role in the instructional process (e.g. instructor, facilitator, coach, audience) in relation to the content and purposes of instruction and the needs of students.

Throughout the reading of the literature I served as the instructor for the most part. I directed students, led discussions and presented information. By using a wiki as an assessment, my role changed to coach and audience. I offered advice but students had to take initiative and collaborate with each other. I enjoyed watching them work together and gain confidence as they prepared the presentation.

4.D.1 The teacher values the development of students’ critical thinking, independent problem solving, and performance capabilities

Students were asked to compare the literature we read from the 1500's to modern society. They used critical thinking skills as they brainstormed parallels and created modern scenarios. They also problem-solved to make revisions and come up with ways to make the chapters flow together.