Matthew L. Henties
KU Portfolio
Artifact i
The first artifact used in my portfolio comes from C&T 745: Reading and the English Language Learner. Throughout this course, we termed who ELL learners are and what best practices are when teaching. It allowed me to understand the learning curve of ELL students and how to implement better services to the high population of students who are seemingly just “passing through” the education system. This artifact also demonstrates my understanding of the class and proper application to my teaching practices.
In this project, I developed a plan for schools to implement into their system to better serve the growing population and demand of ELL and ESL students. Throughout the project I created goals and objectives for teachers and administration to attain, followed by strategies, approaches and adaptations for the classroom. I wanted to develop a set of achievable goals teachers could practice in the classroom and administration could regulate for ELL students who are often lost and struggle to adapt to language used in classrooms. Using the strategies in the classroom should no longer be a suggestion, but a requirement.
Artifact iI
Demonstrate understanding of and ability to apply knowledge and skills specific to their discipline. CAEP 1.1
The second artifact I present comes from C&T 740: Foundations of Reading: Process, Theory, and Instruction’s and the assigned Final Project. This class addressed the main foundations of the reading process at early, middle and secondary levels of learning. Over multiple modules, it was deemed most beneficial to incorporate various cultures and the importance to expand literature knowledge for students.
In artifact II, I demonstrate that questioning while reading is beneficial for various students. I ask specific questions about the story to improve comprehension skills and picture creation in the mind to allow story building. I also practice identifying common roots in words to demonstrate meaning. These skills are necessary to master in the 6th grade Archdiocese Standards. Students are able to apply their skills to their reading and revising abilities in class.. I have continued to practice decoding methods and the think aloud modeling in my lessons with bell work and the revision process after the completion of C&T 740 as you will see in Artifact 4.2.