First Introduction
For this semester, i look forward to a healthy class environment. I believe that in order for me and my peers to thrive academically, we have to ensure that we all hold everyone to the same standard. Even if someone isn’t living up to their part, resulting in the group experiencing a minor set back, I think it is important as a group to have that communication there so that we can quickly come up with a solution so that we won’t face another set back again. As far as academics, I’m looking forward to expanding my knowledge in some way, a different way actually. Since this is a science class, I’m very to eager to see how the “science” part of CODES plays out. Looking back at the last two semesters, I really was focused on more so the research part of our projects and gathering information to help support my group and I community project, but for this class I’m hoping it’s more of getting a clear understanding of how I can connect scientific research to what I’ve already been doing with Cahokia heights. Going into this semester, I think I struggle with time management and communication, I would’ve picked one of the goals listed in student outcomes, but i don’t think that’s something that i truly struggle with. i want to be honest. These two things hold me back tremendously, it intervenes with me getting things done sometimes. I definitely think that I’ve grown since last year and I have been fighting against these two weaknesses because i was taught that closed mouths don’t get fed and plus my future is in my hands and it’s my responsibility. No one else.
Mid-Term Introduction
We have now reached the middle of the semester and it was definitely something. This class, so far, has allowed me to flex my oral and written communication skills. We did a lot of reflections and prep sheet notes as well as group discussions. I think these two skills are very crucial because for the next two years, I know that I’ll have to have meeting with my community partner as well as my group and I need to be able to make sure that I can communicate effectively and also be confident when I am engaging in conversation with others. Written communication is important as well because I want my writing to be intentional and not random, that I can think critically about what I’m trying to communicate. Since I’ve been able to put my focus on these two goals, I think that I’ve grown a lot of the past two months when it comes to my writing as well as my ability to engage with others.
Last Introduction
Reading (25%)
reading using an appropriate lens and can engage in a continuing dialogue within and beyond a discipline or a community of readers. 11c
| What will you do to learn the content/ develop the skill? | What example will you add to the portfolio to demonstrate your learning? | What characteristics of the chosen example demonstrate you have met your goal? |
| Write short reflections after reading, I’ll analyze texts using ethical or historical lens and engage actively by asking my peers thoughtful questions in our group discussions by responding to their ideas and not just sharing my opinion. | Reflections Jig Saw prep Notes Group discussions Group projects Assigned Readings | These examples demonstrates that I’m not just summarizing but interpreting through different viewpoints, that i can engage critically and collaboratively. |
Reflections
My reflections show that I’ve grown in how I read and think about different texts. Instead of just summarizing what i read, I’ve started looking at each piece through specific lens to understand the author’s purpose.
Jig Saw prep notes
My jig saw prep notes show that I’m getting better at reading with more purpose and using different perspectives to understand what I’m reading. The jig saw prep notes helped me improve how I read, take notes, and talk about ideas in a way that connects to the bigger picture.
Group discussions
Group discussions have really helped me develop my reading and communication skills. Talking through the readings with my peers gave me a chance to hear different perspectives that I might not have thought about on my own.
Group Projects
Working on group projects this semester has really helped me improve my collaboration and time management skills. I’ve learned how to divide tasks fairly, stay organized, and make sure I meet deadlines so the group can stay on track.
Assigned Readings
Doing the assigned readings has helped me build a deeper understanding of the topics we cover in class. I’ve learned to read with more focus and think about the author’s purpose instead of just trying to get through the material. The readings also give me a lot to bring into class discussions, and the readings helped me become a more thoughtful and engaged learner.
Collaboration (20%)
12c Works independently toward goals by contributing and meeting deadlines
| What will you do to learn the content/ develop the skill? | What example will you add to the portfolio to demonstrate your learning? | What characteristics of the chosen example demonstrate you have met your goal? |
| Keep rack of the tasks that i personally completed for group projects, demonstrate that I can manage my own responsibilities without needing constant direction, and use planners or checklists to track progress so that I way I make sure that I’m on track so that I won’t cause my group to be behind in any way. | Jig Saw prep Notes Group discussions Group projects | These examples demonstrate that I show reliability and respect for my teams time, shows that I’m proactive about making sure my group is successful, and also that I’m able to maintain professionalism even when under pressure. |
Jig Saw Prep Notes
Working on jig saw prep notes has helped me practice collaboration by making sure I come prepared and meet deadlines. This lets me share useful ideas and contribute to the discussion.
Group Discussions
Group Discussions have helped me build my collaboration skills by showing the importance of both contributing and listening. By adding my own ideas and asking questions i help keep the conversation moving and making sure everyone’s perspective is included.
Group Projects
Group projects have been a big part of improving how I collaborate. I’ve learned how to manage my time, meet deadlines, and hold myself accountable to my part of the work.
Written Communication (25%)
13a Demonstrates a thorough understanding of content, audience, and purpose.
| What will you do to learn the content/ develop the skill? | What example will you add to the portfolio to demonstrate your learning? | What characteristics of the chosen example demonstrate you have met your goal? |
| Write clearly about complex topics from class as well think about who will be reading my work so that i can adjust my tone accordingly. Clarify my goal in each of my writings, so am i informing, persuading or analyzing. | Research Project Jigsaw Draft outline Reflection | These examples demonstrates that I am able to explain what i grabbed from readings in a meaningful way rather than me just repeating it, shows maturity in my writing, and shows that i can think critically about why and how I’m communicating. |
Jig Saw Prep Sheet Notes
My jig saw prep notes have helped me improve my written communication by making sure my writing is clear and focused on the main ideas.
Draft outline
Draft outlines helped me strengthen my written communication skills because it forces me to organize my ideas before I start writing. Outlining has helped me think about what my main message is and how to structure my points so everything flows logically.
Group Projects
Group projects have helped me strengthen my written communication by teaching me how to write in a way that fits both the assignments purpose and my groups needs. I also make sure my tone matches our audience, whether it’s classmates or our instructor.
Reflections
Writing reflections has improved my written communication by giving me the chance to explain what I’ve learned in my own words. I’ve gotten better at expressing my understanding with confidence.
Oral Communication (25%)
8c Develops clear, innovative central messages with significant supporting materials.
| What will you do to learn the content/ develop the skill? | What example will you add to the portfolio to demonstrate your learning? | What characteristics of the chosen example demonstrate you have met your goal? |
| I’ll start off with a strong purpose and keep all my points connected to the main idea. Include credible evidence and also rehearse my speech so I can improve my tone, body language and pacing. Use visuals or real-life connections to make sure my message stands out. | Discussion Groups Group Projects | These examples demonstrates that i can organize and communicate ideas effectively and professionally. |
Civic Engagement (25%)
1b Connects and extends knowledge from academic to study engagement
| What will you do to learn the content/ develop the skill? | What example will you add to the portfolio to demonstrate your learning? | What characteristics of the chosen example demonstrate you have met your goal? |
| Use examples from class discussions, readings or research to analyze the hands on work. Reflect on what I’ve learned from listening to others’ perspectives and how it changed my understanding. Reflect on how my experience with my Cahokia group expanded or reinforced what I learned in class. | Annotated bibliography Group Project Jig Saw prep notes Reflections Scientist spotlight | These examples shows that I understand the real world impact of my studies, how my academic knowledge helped me make informed decisions, shows that i value learning through community collaboration. |
Annotated Bibliography
Group Project
Jig Saw
Reflections
Scientist Spotlight