M6 bportfolio Reflection

EDU6978 Introduction to STEM Research

What do you view as some of the challenges associated with implementing an effective STEM model given your current teaching context? 

·       I currently teach at a small private religious school located East of Seattle.  My 2016-2017 assignment is for 5^th grade, as a contained all subjects classroom, this will be a change from my solely science middle school curriculum last year.  Honestly, one of the greatest challenges I am grappling with is just being a new teacher and balancing all subjects!  While I desire to teach with an innovative approach, using problem based learning (PBL) models and including lots of hands on STEM work, I am also a little hesitant to stray from the current curriculum as this is my first go at it. 

·       Another challenge that I foresee is a bit of administrative resistance.  As a new teacher, I have found that one has to be careful not to step on too many peoples toes.  I worked cooperatively with my middle school team last year but, it required a lot of checking in before making decisions.  As a single 5^th grade teachers I may have a bit more latitude in this regard, however, I am not sure how to present my PBL ideas to the administration (or if I even need to for that matter).  Many of the teachers at our school are veterans and teaching methods are often quite traditional.  I am a parent of the school as well and from that perspective I know change is needed.  As a teacher, I am trying to figure out the best way to work these changes into the current school model.  That said, I have certainly been playing around with many ideas of how to incorporate my love of science into the classroom, without getting myself in over my head!

·       One final obstacle I face is a physical one.  I work in a very small facility.  My classroom is not big and I will have 20 students next year.  My ideas regarding STEM and PBL often surround stations and modules.  I like to give my students freedom to progress or hang back as needed to facilitate best practice learning.  The lack of space (and equipment at times) can be challenging to work around.  I plan to go into the building in the next week or two and get a better feel for what my options are in this regard.

What are some potential solutions and/or innovations you can create to eliminate some of these challenges? Feel free to modify prompt as applicable.

·        One resource that has proved to be invaluable has been the Buck Institute for Education (BIE), web site (http://www.bie.org/resources).  As a teacher, new to PBL they have the resources and support available to help me prepare my students for success.   They have shown me how to use Project Based Learning in my grade level and across the subject areas. I am looking forward to participating sin some of their in person professional development sessions on how to design, assess, and manage projects that engage and motivate students.   One of the challenges I thought about had to do with getting y school on board.  One of my solutions has been to share this resource with my middle school administrator.  She really fell in love with the Buck Institute and has taken it to the principle and the board.  I think this will bring coherence to PBL practices throughout our school, and support the creation of a school-wide processes with structures to support this learning model.

·        Another idea that has come to mind, of which I feel confident I will get the support of my administrators is to spend some time in other PBL focused classrooms.  My daughter will be attending Bellevue Big Picture school in the fall.  This is a public choice school that uses PBL and I am looking into visiting the Seattle Girls school as well.  Both schools should offer me an upfront look at how STEM and PBL can come together in an actual classroom.