INTASC Standard #3 Part 2

The developmental learning theory is a very important role in the way that each student learns in their own unique way. There are many levels of this learning theory that varies with age, therefore that can make a difference in how abstractly they are able to learn. Students at the same age can also learn more abstractly than other students, and this is important to consider when you are teaching your students. It is important to know your students Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD), which is what the students can do with help or without it. By knowing and understanding this with each of your students you will be able to know where you can help them think more abstractly then they would before, compared to more concrete, which will help develop their critical thinking skills.

Standard 4

The teacher understands and uses a variety of instructional strategies to encourage student development of critical thinking, problem solving, and performance skills.

As a future teacher I know that using a variety of instructional strategies can be a hard thing to continuously do, but I know it is not impossible. Teachers should teach to each individual student in their classroom, not just from the textbook. Teach lessons that will engage each student to learn to the best of their ability, and by using different instructional strategies you will be able to reach this in your classroom. It is important to get to know and understand your students so you know their abilities and their strengths and weaknesses. It is important to teach to all of them and challenge all of them. This will help develop different skills like problem solving and critical thinking. Ways to incorporate multiple instructional strategies is by teaching your lesson and then exploring even deeper with a project or activity. The teacher can use a variety of presentations and explanations to encourage students in critical thinking, creativity and problem solving. In the classroom it is important to not lecture, and keep students involved by asking them open ended questions to keep them involved by working on small group projects and individual projects. Teachers can also engage students by having them reflect on their prior knowledge and link those concepts to familiar concepts and then relate it to their own experiences. By using their experiences, the teacher can encourage students to understand, question, and analyze ideas from diverse perspectives.