Copyright 2006 Melanie Sharpe, Reich College of Education, Appalachian State University
CONTEXT: While enrolled in the class RE5548 under the direction of Dr. Sarah Borders, I was involved with a small group that researched and presented information about the Appalachian culture. The research was based on literature, personal contacts, and visits to local sites to develop a better understanding about the local culture. Within the presentation were teaching strategies and a bibliography containing a variety of genres that were set in the Appalachian region. Music and food from the culture were also shared with the class. Dr. Borders taught the dulcimer to some of the students, while the remainder of the class enjoyed homemade biscuits and apple butter. A video sharing our interviews with celebrities such as Orville Hicks and Ned Trivette was also used to enlighten the students about the Appalachian culture.
RATIONALE: The Multicultural Project was included to demonstrate the ability to integrate literacy across the curriculum. It also shows an understanding and respect for differences related to cultural and linguistic development.
ALIGNMENT:
A. Instructional Expertise: The candidate demonstrates instructional expertise by applying the theoretical, philosophical, and research bases for educational practice in P-12 setting to improve student learning. The artifact implements a variety of genres to improve student learning across the curriculum.
B. Knowledge of Learners: The candidate incorporates knowledge of the nature of the learner, learning processes, variations in learning abilities and learning styles, and strategies for evaluating learning into the planning, delivery, and evaluation of instruction. With a better understanding of the culture, the instruction is more concisely modified to foster student learning.
D. Content Knowledge: The candidate demonstrates advanced depth and breadth of knowledge and skills in the academic discipline and in education. The research concerning the culture allowed me to analyze my current practices to design appropriate instruction for the diversity of the students.