As educators, we all know that learning is a process, and this course reminded me how formative assessments are one of the best ways to keep students learning and allow teachers to modify instruction.  Every assignment had the opportunity for me to receive feedback, improve upon, and resubmit for an official grade.  Throughout each of these assignments, I learned a variety of ways to receive and give formative assessments to students.  I also had a culminating project that required me to create an assessment in a Content Management System, which is a digital program such as the tech tool google classroom.  Taking this course reminded me of the importance of giving feedback and formative assessments to my students. 

At the time of taking this course, I was a 6th grade math teacher, so naturally, the course was intriguing to me and taken in hopes of learning strategies to teach math more effectively.  This course discussed more than the title suggests, focusing on how different students think as mathematicians, and the history of math topics and instruction.  Once we know the different ways a student might view or approach a math concept, we can more accurately differentiate and approach math instruction.  I also researched and reflected on a technology tool that might improve math instruction in my classroom.  After taking this course, I looked at teaching math to my students in a much more individualized way, and taught my instruction in a more purposeful way.  

With the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) being adopted into instruction, this course provided me with a very different approach to teaching science content.  NGSS standards are taught in overlapping strands, and instruction is meant to be focused around student discussion and questions. I learned strategies to create an NGSS centered unit, one in which is more student led than teacher led.  In the process of creating this unit, I learned the importance of effectively setting up activities and guiding instruction, even if student led, to create a successful unit and understand the required science standards.  After completion of this course, I found myself applying student led learning and discussions in all other subject areas as well.