INTASC+3A


 * a. integrates a multicultural perspective into teaching **


 * What is this artifact? **

INTASC Principle 3a focuses on **learning styles and diversity**. This artifact is a lesson plan and videotaped discussion of my fourth grade students in the fall of 2009. The objective of this two day lesson was for students to be exposed to another side of Christopher Columbus’ history. This artifact includes a lesson plan, written analysis of teaching based on the videotaped lesson, and highlighted segments from the lesson and discussion.


 * Why did you put this artifact in this INTASC principle? **


 * Integrating a multicultural perspective into instruction ** was the basis behind the two day lesson. I wanted to emphasize a side of Columbus’ story that is rarely shared with elementary aged students. During our discussion we focused on the interactions between Columbus and the Native Americans. We extended our discussion to focus on the premeditated spread of small pox among those indigenous people. It was clear that the class had never been exposed to this “//secret”// and, in many cases, had trouble making sense of the intentional outcome. From the students’ reactions of shock and disapproval I was able to see that they gained a **new and diverse perspective**.

**In what way(s) do you anticipate this artifact contributing to your positive impact on student learning in your class? **  By watching the videotaped “gems” from the discussion, it is clear that the use of **multicultural perspectives** is necessary when teaching. I believe that after sharing the relatively unknown information about Columbus’ intentions with the class, they realized the importance of **perspective.** Observing numerous students change their view of the “great explorer” within just a few minutes, illustrated the //value of accurate and unbiased facts//. With their newfound understanding of Columbus, I believe that this lesson **positively impacted** the class’ ability to evaluate and draw conclusions based on **multicultural perspectives.** This will, without a doubt, carry over into many areas of their future education.


 * Where does this artifact fit within the core cluster of instruction activities: judges prior learning, plans for instruction, teaches, assesses, analyzes, or reflects; and why? **

This artifact fits best in the **analysis and reflection** sections of the JPTAAR instruction activities. After completing the discussion I had to look //critically// at my own teaching practices, while also **//assessing//** //the responses// of the students. These were informally assessed for critical thinking skills and relevance. Having videotaped this lesson, I was able to pick apart, **//analyze//** and **//reflect//** //deeply// on each student’s response. Careful and **purposeful planning** also played a part in the questions I asked during the discussion. Combining these //three elements of the JPTAAR// format I was able to **integrate a multicultural perspective into my instruction**.