- To bring back some new materials/techniques to the classroom
- To use real world problems - finding their own solutions & showing them current solutions
- To motivate students to think critically
- To motivate students to think for themselves
- To motivate students to gather information and ideas to solve problems.
- Once the students’ desire to think and learn is established, it is important for the students to be confident in knowing that they can be successful.
- Seniors: information about college and preparation for college
- To be solid and confident in mathematical methods (solid = good technique, good skills, experienced)
- To be solid and confident in scientific methods
- To know how science/math relate to the "real world"
- To have real world applications of what is being learned
- To use science/math skills in everyday life (i.e. scientific method & problem solving)
- To have confidence, resources and experience of solving real world problems
- To relate science, math & technology to everyday lives
- To have real world applications of what is being learned
- To be able to find and use outside resources
- Cross curriculum involvement
- Self sufficient be able to identify and solve problems on their own
- Be aware that they can succeed, they can do anything they want
- Have confidence, resources and experience for solving real world problems.
- Be able to work well in groups
- The need to be able to discern "good science" from "bad science" (in the media…etc)
- More hands on activities
- More ideas for activities
- More format options for activities
- Major student needs related to specific curricula
- Ability to convert units (manipulate simple algebraic equations with units)
- Ability to plan ahead using scientific method
- Ability to think critically
- Things you would like to change about your teaching methods
- More student-hands on (larger ratio of hands-on to demos)
- More student centered thinking/planning (less of me telling them the solutions) – more open-ended?
- Less notes: more student ideas (brainstorming) of topics, and then showing them (guiding them to) current thought based on thought processes of original scientists
- Things you want to learn during the summer
- How to write a grant proposal/how to find grants
- Concepts you would like to teach better or differently
- Problem solving/math skills
- Equity and expectations related to ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic, and differently-abled students
- I have always treated my students equally and fairly. I deal with special circumstances as they arise, always treating students as people, not as a stereotype. I have overheard minority students comment that I am tough, but fair.
NEEDS ASSESSMENT - GIFT 98: Mike Lanham
Describe your vision:
My vision for the classroom is a vision of students who are confident of themselves and their abilities to make it in the world. Students who do not recognize failure as something permanent. This involves myself as being a teacher that gives students the confidence and tools needed to solve problems on their own; someone who makes science relevant and exciting.
Describe your general goals:
Describe your general objectives:
Describe your constraints:
Time and money! One of the largest constraints to motivating and encouraging students is the self-doubt and apathy students have of themselves.
Describe your student needs:
Opportunities for changing classroom practices
Specific Goals and Objectives (3-5 of each)
