Center for Learning and Teaching in the West (CLTW)
Cohort 4
Coursework
CLTW is a teacher development program designed to improve student learning and achievement in science and mathematics from middle school through college. CLTW is located at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colorado. CLTW has helped my teaching by providing an opportunity to share ideas and experiences with other teaching professionals. I learned additional content knowledge and was able to address some of my personal alternative conceptions towards scientific phenomenon. In addition, I learned new strategies to implement inquiry based learning opportunities for my students. I reflect more on my teaching strategies and try to measure student learning as opposed to "covering content". I am more aware of student alternative conceptions about scientific phenomenon and strive to address student conceptions in my lessons.
As a member of CLTW Cohort 4, I developed two unit plans in accordance with coursework requirements. The first unit is Energy/Thermal Energy and the second unit is Solutions/Moles/Molarity. I have linked the unit overview plans below. Additional information (class notes, lab activity descriptions, study guides, etc.) is available in the applicable unit accessed through the ICPE web page. Each unit had a positive impact on student learning and achievement. In the future, I will strive to better address student alternative conceptions and will allow additional time to uncover student conceptions prior to beginning the unit.