Andrew Fairchild

Empire State CollegeTeaching and Curriculum

IntroductionSeptember 18th, 2011

Summary of Pre-MAT Background

• Grew up in Spokane, WA• Attended Northwestern University from 2002-

2006 and graduated with a BA in neurobiology• 1 year as an Americorps member working at a

community health center in Manhattan

Currently…• Teaching 9th grade living environment at the High

School for Community Leadership (located in Jamaica, Queens)

• 2nd year teaching at school (school was foundedlast year with a freshman class of 100 students)• 5th year teaching overall

Persona

• Humorous• Easy to talk to• Fair• Firm• Excited about science

My 3 main points of instructionBefore each lesson and unit, I map out these three items. Furthermore, it is a complete cycle; the results of my assessments determine what content needs to be repeated.

Classroom Instruction

• Use of prior knowledge: ILPE method

Multiple Learning Activities

Introducing the content in various ways

Hands on Activities Visuals Readings and Discussions

Teaching Style• I break down the content into digestible chunks,

and think of the following questions when designing a lesson

In order to get students excited about science…

…they need to be conducting cool, purposeful experiments.

Designing paper airplanes in order to learn about the scientific method

Conducting research in the field to learn about human’s impact on the environment

Dissecting a shark to learn about organ systems

Listening to heart rates before and after exercise to learn about homeostasis

Use of 21st century technologies Use of Turning Point Software • Makes assessment more interactive and

enjoyable• Helps students to receive feedback sooner• Helps in item analysisand long term trackingof student performance

Use of 21st century technologies

• Website

Purposes

Use of 21st century technologies

• Dissection CameraHelps students keep pace with dissection and helps model the cuts and incisions I want them to make