Artifact # 6
Context:
This graduate course, Advanced Study of Children's Literature provided me with the opportunity to extend my knowledge of children's books. An Emphasis was placed on the examination of the history of major publishers of children's literature, multicultural perspectives in reading and writing, and the theories of response to literature. Consideration was given to how literature contributes to learning and language development. I chose to research and compile a research paper on Character Education and Children's Literature. I believe that literature provides a catalyst to offer an outlet of opportunity to learn and understand what society hands them throughout life. Using a variety of reading material in and outside of the classroom promotes a well-rounded portrayal of the affects of decision-making and problem-solving skills. I found many educational resources that proved my point and supported my belief that literature helps children to become more thoughtful, well-rounded students in and outside of the classroom.
Impact:
As a reading teacher, I have learned and experienced that literature is the basis for students. It is very important to begin a child's educational career from the time that they are born with literature of any kind. Children's literature covers all types of genres and topics that can be central themes to a child's life in and outside of the classroom. I learned that it is very important to keep a child engulfed in all types of literature. This will result in students creating a love for reading, gaining infinite realms of knowledge, and using it in their everyday lives.
Alignment:
Principle A: Instructional Expertise
When completing this assignment, I demonstrated instructional expertise by applying the theoretical, philosophical, and research bases for educational practice to improve student learning with children's literature. I monitored the effects of instructional actions, selection of materials, and other instructional decisions on students' learning and behavior when dealing with character education in the classroom. I incorporated findings from educational literature into school and classroom strategies to improve student learning while also demonstrating the ability to integrate literacy across the curriculum.
Principle B: Knowledge of Learners
As a result of this research paper on character education in children's literature, I incorporated 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. I reflected and modified instruction that fosters student learning dealing with character education, and I understood and respected differences between the learning behaviors and outcomes expected in diverse communities through the various genres of children's literature.
While compiling information for this particular educational context of children's literature, I used research to examine and improve instructional effectiveness and student achievement. I critically read and applied historical and contemporary educational literature for the subject matter at hand. I also investigated educational problems through action research on character education in the classroom and how it affect students' learning.
Principle D: Content Knowledge
This research paper in on character education as a genre for children's literature helped me to demonstrate advanced depth and breadth of knowledge and skills in the academic discipline and in education. I analyzed and articulated relationships between and among theory, philosophy, research findings, and current practice as appropriate to the discipline of character education in the classroom as well as across disciplines. I applied content knowledge and an understanding of current knowledge and trends in education and how to implement them in the classroom.