Standard+6

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Standard 6 [|Wisconsin English Journal] Evidence : Article Published in Wisconsin English Journal “ Tech Tools for Teachers, by Teachers: Video Game Design in the Classroom” Rationale : This is an article that I wrote for the Wisonsin English Journal about my experience teaching the writing process through video game design. I wrote this article as a reflection on the learning that took place during this unit. I used the platform of video game design to teach my fifth graders the writing process. This unit also allowed for improvement in many key 21st Century learning skills including problem solving, collaboration, and creativity. The article that I wrote in response to this experience discusses my thought process throughout the project, as well as the impact that this unit had on student learning. This article was published in the October edition of the Wisconsin English Journal, which is read by teachers of all levels across the state. Writing this piece has helped me to realize the impact that the purposeful use of technology can have on student learning, and the power of engaging material. My most reluctant writers were creating four to five paragraph long story lines for their games, and were revising without hesitation. This was an “aha” moment for me as I was reassured of what I already knew; that highly engaging learning is always effective.

KSD: 6.K.4 The teacher recognizes the importance of nonverbal, verbal and media communication techniques. //This article demonstrates my ability to communicate my thinking through writing. The article was published in an online periodical that is well respected in Wisconsin’s educational realm.//

6.S.1 The teacher models effective communication strategies in conveying ideas and information and in asking questions (e.g. monitoring the effects of messages, restating ideas and drawing connections, using verbal, aural, and kinesthetic cues, being sensitive to nonverbal cues given and received). //This article is a perfect example of modeling my own writing to my students. I feel that in order to be an effective teacher of writing, I must be a writer myself. This article shows my ability to share my thinking with others in a written format.//

6.D.1 The teacher recognizes the power of language for self-expression, identity development, and learning. //This piece of evidence shows my passion for writing and how I am able to use writing to share my ideas with others. This article was actually posted on the National Writing Project’s website and I received feedback from other educators saying that my article has pushed them to start teaching game design.//