Question

Suggest TWO goals Mr. Rivera could set to improve his ability to develop students' responsibility for their own learning.

For each goal, identify a professional development activity Mr. Rivera could pursue to help him reach the goal. Base your response on principles of the teacher as a reflective practitioner?

A) Participating in a workshop on project-based learning in social studies
B) Attending a conference on cultural competency in the classroom
C) Engaging in a book study on inquiry-based teaching methods
D) Joining a network of educators focused on student-led discussions.

Answer 1

Mr. Rivera could set goals to integrate inquiry-based learning through a book study on the topic, and to enhance cultural competency via attending relevant conferences. These goals support the development of student autonomy and a culturally responsive teaching environment.

Step-by-step explanation:

To improve his own ability to develop students' responsibility for their own learning, Mr. Rivera could set the following two goals:

1. Integrating Inquiry-Based Learning: Mr. Rivera can aim to foster a classroom environment that encourages students to ask questions and explore topics deeply. A professional development activity for this could be engaging in a book study on inquiry-based teaching methods (Option C), which will provide him with theoretical as well as practical knowledge to implement such a student-centered approach.

2. Cultural Competency: Another goal could be to enhance his cultural awareness to better support and understand his diverse student body. To achieve this, attending a conference on cultural competency in the classroom (Option B) would give Mr. Rivera a wider perspective on how cultural differences can impact learning and how to accommodate them in his teaching strategies.

The reflective practitioner's approach insists on continuous self-reflection and adjustment of one's teaching practices to better meet the needs of students. Both inquiry-based learning and cultural competency are key in developing an autonomous and socially aware student body. The activities suggested promote active learning and adaptability, which are essential in the ever-evolving educational landscape.