Evidence & Description Urban Planning Unit. A unit plan on Urban Planning for ELA classes in Grade 11. I designed it based on student interests and inquiry-based teaching and learning. It utilizes local Emirati culture and context. Currently in the UAE there is a focus on designing ultra eco-friendly cities.
Students divided into two groups, developing proposals for a new city and ensuring they were healthy and safe. They collaboratively created models of their cities. Each student selected a role as an advisor to design a specific building/area in their proposed city. Each individual analyzed a case study involving a real, possible safety issue within their building/area. Using their case study, they researched the problem and possible responses. Based on their research, they created procedural signs to help people respond to situations to those problems which could occur in their building/area. To deepen their understanding, they examined other health and safety concerns and created advisory essays. The essays proposed how their building/area should be developed structurally and what rules to follow for health and safety. Then, they hosted a council meeting to propose their new city and how they would ensure safety and health in their buildings/areas during Innovation Week.
Rationale This evidence shows how my team and I created a plan for teaching and learning based on student interest and learning occurring in complex, socially constructed contexts.
Students divided into two groups, developing proposals for a new city and ensuring they were healthy and safe. They collaboratively created models of their cities. Each student selected a role as an advisor to design a specific building/area in their proposed city. Each individual analyzed a case study involving a real, possible safety issue within their building/area. Using their case study, they researched the problem and possible responses. Based on their research, they created procedural signs to help people respond to situations to those problems which could occur in their building/area. To deepen their understanding, they examined other health and safety concerns and created advisory essays. The essays proposed how their building/area should be developed structurally and what rules to follow for health and safety. Then, they hosted a council meeting to propose their new city and how they would ensure safety and health in their buildings/areas during Innovation Week.
Rationale This evidence shows how my team and I created a plan for teaching and learning based on student interest and learning occurring in complex, socially constructed contexts.
A) Urban Planning Overview
b) Grade 11 Website Including Access to Urban Planning Resources
Evidence & Description ELA Grade 11 Website. Can be accessed at http://alwayslearningmore.weebly.com. The website was created for students, parents and the community. It expanded as a teacher resource.
1) The Weekly Plan Page: Includes the focus for each term and weekly questions and skills. Students and parents can download files used in class before or after that are used in class.
All 3 terms were created using learning outcomes. Our team and I collaborated on these authentic, thematic units. Term1: School Development: Students explore problems in their schools and ways to transform their environment Term2: National Development: Students collaboratively develop a proposal for a new city in the country Term3: A World of Art: Students interpret their paintings, architecture, design and fashion and and create an interactive gallery of paintings, architecture, design and fashion. 2) Skills Page: A list of web resources in reading, writing, vocabulary and speaking and listening. I also put contests, competitions and community events they be involved with (Other Skill Opportunities) 3) Star Students Page: Each week, student of the week are identified 4) Blog: Topics relate to ideas discussed in class and the curriculum 5) Writer's Workshop: Post student work and students discuss it. |
Rationale This shows I facilitate connections between students, families, schools and community and how I engage all stakeholders in technology, building a collaborative environment. This site became a highly utilized resource by teachers from all Cycle 3 schools across the emirate of Abu Dhabi. I presented professional development workshops in numerous schools on utilizing technology platforms to support teaching and learning.