Fourth+PLC


 * Today's PLC Lesson: Teacher Inquiry: Studying your own Practice**


 * Today's PLC Lesson: Studying your own Practice**

**PLC Group Name: iTeacher** **PLC Meeting Location: U of H** **PLC Meeting Time: Monday 7:15-8:45 PM** **Tuesday 3:30-5:00PM**
 * Hour 1**

As an anticipatory set for today’s lesson, please read the article “Getting "Inside Inquiry": Teachers' Questions Transform Their Practice“ []
 * //ENGAGE//**

//[]//
 * //EXPLORE//**
 * Hour 2**


 * //EXPLAIN//**

How could we engage student participation in group discussion? How can we incorporate technology into our lessons more effectively? How can we provide better resources for students to use at home?

As a group, make a list of teaching strategies of your own about which you have a wondering. You probably have things in common! Take turns selecting one to focus on and formulating a “wondering” about that strategy. Help each member to make a plan to initiate, analyze, and write-up this inquiry? What questions does each member have that the group can help sort out about the process?
 * //ELABORATE//**

1. As a group, reflect on what you have learned today about studying your own teaching practice. Why should teachers ask questions about their own teaching? How would your job be different if you approach it with an inquiry stance versus approaching it with no intention to ask questions?
 * Hour 3**
 * //EVALUATE//**

Teachers should ask questions regarding their teaching in order to better enhance the effectiveness in teaching while meeting student's needs. This is a chance for teachers to reflect on their teachings and will aid when enhancing their lessons. We believe that all teachers become effective teachers by evaluating their teachings in which will build what they already know to the unknown (new). This step is almost the way that children learn. Our jobs would differ greatly from different perspectives, for instance the inquiry approach will implement student's curiosity in which will bring about motivation to learn. On the other hand, the no intention to ask questions approach will only create an intimidating atmosphere in which students will not build from nor learn effectively.

2. As a group, draft a brief statement (approx 1-2 paragraphs) of what you learned or new understandings you came to during this discussion. What did you agree with/about, and what did you not agree with/about? How do you KNOW you learned and grew?!

When discussing our teaching practices we realized that we needed to engage students more into our lessons. When students participate more they are more bound to utilize information that was provided to them. We also agreed that technology needed to be incorporated more into teaching. Some of us disagreed on the fact that technology can is a source in which students are able to focus more. Technology can also be a distraction as well because of the vast information provided. Some students might be overwhelmed with the amount of information provided which can lead students to use incorrect sources. We became more open-minded to student needs. We found that encouraging and engaging students in activities would broaden there horizons.

3. As a group, please look at the Assignments page for the description and grading rubric for the Inquiry #3 assignment. You will be selecting a teaching practice of your own to study. The format is the same as your other inquiries, and is detailed on the Assignments page for this assignment.

4. Individually, please send your “PLC Check” as an email to Dr. Pierson and Ida (mpierson@uh.edu; idalkm@hotmail.com): --What/Who worked well in today’s PLC meeting? --What/Who didn’t work so well in today’s PLC meeting? This PLC check is due emailed by Friday (10/29) at midnight.