Yocasta Rojas

Prof. Loverso
Edu 785
End of Semester Reflection Paper
Describe how your lesson planning skills have improved and why?
When I first entered EDUG785, I had never made a lesson plan. First Professor Loverso
explained briefly the structure of a lesson plan; this made me a little uneasy. Then he
concentrated on the lesson itself and how we should approach teaching it. We conducted several
experiments, including one using the scientific method, which let us experience what the
students would experience, and thus let us know how long it would take for the lesson, this way
we would be better prepared. He also provided us with articles like "Teaching by Tiering, which
was created for teachers who are addressing a broader range of academic needs in every
classroom. Since I plan to be a special education teacher the article showed me that by
differentiating instruction I could structure a lesson at multiple levels so that each student has the
opportunity to work at a moderately challenging, developmentally appropriate level. Prof.
Loverso then continued by giving us examples of lessons plans, we went over them in the
classroom and he pointed some of the things we shouldnt do, like asking yes or no question
and taking in consideration all the skills of the students.
After looking at the lesson and reviewing what we had done in class I felt more
comfortable making my own lesson plan. I knew in which areas I needed to focus and what to
take into consideration to make the lesson engaging and meaningful.
Explain what you have learned about the elements of lesson plans from this course
During the class we had examples of lesson plan distributed and studied. We discussed
that a lesson plan should have sections that include objectives, materials needed, class activities,
set induction, and assessment. The lesson should not overwhelm the students, but rather it should
grab their attention. Avoid using yes or no questions, use questions to guide students through
problem solving and then give them feedback. Another thing I can do is break instruction and
assignments into segments, and most importantly time management. I have to take into
consideration the students and their needs to break down instruction and make it more
meaningful.
Describe the features from this course that have allowed you to grow in the area of instructional
planning and delivery.
We have discussed the fact that not all students learn at the same time. First we discussed
our weaknesses in science and what we needed to improve. By using the tiering article we
learned that we can implement tiered lessons for our classroom with multiple levels and as a
result effectively meet the needs of all learners including academically diverse, special needs and
English learners students. As for delivery of a good lesson we also discussed scaffolding
learning by rephrasing a problem, talking aloud to show thinking process and spark inquiry
responses, and accommodating lessons by having more visual and manipulative available. As a

class we cooperatively gave each other feedback, from students that were already teaching, to
prof. Loverso who gave us positive and negative criticism to help us grow.
Explain what you have learn about different learning styles
During the class we discussed several articles, we were each assigned a group and each
group had an article to be broken down and discussed in the classroom. This was very important
and interactive because each article was different and covered different areas related to teaching.
We learn the difference between disabilities like ADD and ADHD and ways to help those
students with the lesson. We also learned about the new changes being made to the content core
standards and how to be prepared to meet those changes. Another article was about how to
facilitate a better environment for students with varying needs by accommodating their needs
and working our lessons around them. By differentiating and focusing in content, process or
product we would better benefit different learning styles.
Describe the ways in which your work in the course has helped your understanding of different
learning styles
The best way for a person to learn depends on the person, the first paper we had to write
was about our experience with science in the classroom throughout our lives. In this reflection
paper Mr. Loverso told us to focus on the good parts but also to not forget the bad memories.
This was very helpful because it help me identify the areas where I was weak in reference to
science and to always think that there are good point to the lesson and bad points that can be
improved. I have come to learn that most students learn best when there is a logical sequential,
delineated lesson that provides the objective and systematic steps to do the assignment, but there
is also some students that learn visually, others by listening and others by hands on activities.
Explain how you have grown in regards to your ability to differentiate for at-risk and disabled
students.
In order to help at risk and disable students I have learned that the first step is to identify
the disability or need of the student. The next step is to expand my lesson structure to include
steps like modeling, differentiating, using manipulatives, visuals and making modifications so
that I can meet their needs and have a greater learning outcome.
Describe the specific content you have learn during the course
Guided Inquiry
Modifying instruction for at risk students
Teaching by Tiering
Differentiating classroom activity
Classroom management

Explain how you would teach some of these contents to at risk and disabled students in grades k6
For teaching this content I would use modifications like using visuals to help the lesson
go smoothly. This helps the students because I could enlarge the font to make the lesson clearer.
I can break down the directions so that they can have a better understanding. Provide hand on
activities to better assess their learning. Increase their understanding by using guided inquiry and
also differentiating classroom activity by breaking the class into different groups and changing
them according to the lesson.
Describe the ways in which you still need to grow as an educator or future educator.
As a future educator I still have a very long way to go. I wish to reinforce what I already
know and pass that down to all my students. I have learned that I need to have a clear objective
for my lessons; it has to be clear enough to not overwhelm my students. I have to spark inquiry
by asking questions that have precise and content related words in their answer. I also need to
use modifications like tiering and differentiation in order to better meet the needs of the varying
student population.
In a single paragraph, summarize and evaluate your overall experience in this course.
My overall experience in this course has been great; I have grown as a student and as a future
educator. I have learned to look at science with a different perspective; by applying what I have learned
I can teach a science class that meets the needs of a diverse student population. One way is to teach by
tiering which uses multiple levels of teaching and can be an effective method for meeting the needs of
all learners. Modifications like visuals, manipulatives and guided inquiry can help me reach different
types learners i.e. visual, hearing and tactual. By making modifications like differentiation I can break
my classroom into groups and teach each lesson with the students learning level and lesson objective in
mind.