Creating a Crossword Puzzle

In this class assignment, we had to create a crossword puzzle using content from one of the curriculum areas from which we teach. I chose to create a crossword puzzle on the chapter in science my class was working on, weathering and erosion. I created the same crossword puzzle twice using two different tools, Microsoft Excel and a web based puzzle maker. This was my first time using Microsoft Excel. It was very interesting to use. The online instructions provided by the instructor were helpful. I didn't follow the instruction verbatim. I failed to chart out my puzzle on graph paper prior to constructing it on Excel. It took me about 1/2 hour to get used to the program and construct the crossword puzzle. It wasn't hard, just a little time consuming compared to using the web based puzzle maker.
In contrast to Microsoft Excel, I found the web based puzzle maker to be much more efficient. It was very quick and easy to use. All I had to do was type in the words and clues then click generate and my puzzle was done. It only took about 5 minutes to complete. I'd much rather use the web based tool. Ultimately, I think it will save you a lot more time when creating your puzzles.

Constructivist 5E Model

Crossword Puzzle using Discovery Education Site

Changes to the Earth's Surface




Across
3. liquid covering 70% of the surface of the earth
5. depositing sediment in a new location
6. water in a frozen state
7. physical features on the earth's surface
Down
1. downhill movement of rock and soil due to gravity
2. huge masses of moving ice
4. moving sediment from one place to another

Website Evaluation Reflection

Evaluating the three different websites using Kathy Schrock’s instruments was a very informative task. It enabled me to critically evaluate the websites as opposed to simply viewing them. Her evaluation form specifically narrowed in on various features of website design that should be taken into account when creating a website. The form allowed me to thoroughly analyze how the design, content, authenticity, and credibility of a website play a critical role in making it a value resource for users. After having used this instrument to evaluate websites, I believe I will continue to be more critical of the sites I choose for educational purposes as well as for personal use.


Assignment Evaluation Rubric:

Understanding basic criteria for evaluating information: 5

Correct citations of Web resources in appropriate style: 5

Meta-cognitive Reflection: 4

Mind Map: Our Nation's Natural Resources

Inspiration Graph: Writing a Friendly Letter

Who I Am as an Educator

After taking the Educational Philosophy survey my results were the following:

Perennialism -15

Essentialism- 18

Progressivism- 19

Resonstructionism- 17

Information Processing- 22

Behaviorism- 14

Constructivism- 16

Humanism- 22

The two philosophies I scored highest in are highlighted above. This survey perceives my educational philosophy to be indicative of the following:

Information Processing
For information processing theorists, the focus is on how the mind of the individual works. The mind is considered to be analogous a computer. It uses symbols to encode, process, remember, and retrieve information. It explains how a given body of information is learned and suggests strategies to improve processing and memory.

Humanism
Humanist educators consider learning from the perspective of the human potential for growth, becoming the best one can be. The shift is to the study of affective as well as cognitive dimensions of learning. Beliefs include: human beings can control their own destiny; people are inherently good and will strive for a better world; people are free to act but must be responsible; behavior is the consequence of human choice; and people possess unlimited potential for growth and development. There is a natural tendency for people to learn, which will flourish if nourishing, encouraging environments are provided.

My Reflection:

Upon reading the descriptions of the different types of educational philosophies, I first thought that I would fall under the category of Essentialism. Essentialism is described as:

Essentialists believe that there is a core of basic knowledge and skills that needs to be transmitted to students in a systematic, disciplined way. A practical focus, rather than social policy, and emphasis on intellectual and moral standards should be transmitted by the schools. It is a back-to-basics movement that emphasizes facts. Instruction is uniform, direct, and subject-centered. Students should be taught discipline, hard work, and respect for authority.

I am a special education teacher and deal with very challenging students in terms of behavior. Therefore, I try to maintain high levels of behavior management in my classroom. I have increased standards in my room and expect the students to work twice as hard to accommodate their achievement gaps. I consider myself to be a very tough teacher. Discipline, hard work, and respect for authority are the essentials in my room because without those basics, achievement is not possible. It is critical that the teacher obtain respect from all students. This is my interpretation based on the experiences I have had working with challenging low level learners. I have had much success implementing these strict policies in my classroom. Thus, I believed I would fall into this category. However, after reading the other two categories, I can also see how I would fall into those categories as well. As a special education teacher, I have become accustomed to working with children who are several years below grade level in both reading and mathematics (which serve as the foundation for the other core subjects). Therefore, I have to modify the curriculum so these students can work at a level that is feasible for them. This seems indicative of the Information Processing Philosophy. Similarly, the Humanism Philosophy also reminds me of my style of teaching. I always tell my students that I cannot control what they do. They cannot control what someone else does. The only thing we all have control of is the ability to control our OWN behavior. If you want your education, you have to be the one to reach out and get it because no one else can do it for you.

Overall, I think this survey was pretty accurate in evaluating my educational philosophy.