Teaching Portfolio of Noelani Kamalu DRAFT

Introduction This portfolio is a compilation of my work as a teacher thus far, which includes unit plans and lessons, my teaching philosophy, reflections and observations (both personal and outside), teaching strategies used, and personal goals as a teacher. This portfolio will also address my understanding and implementation(?) of the Hawai`i Teacher Performance Standards.

Curriculum Autobiography

When I started teaching, I used an excel spreadsheet to record and calculate grades. However, I soon found that method to be quite cumbersome. So, I decided to search for a free electronic grade book online. My searching ended with the website While there are some limitations, the site has become a great tool for not only calculating grades, but for allowing me AND the students to easily access the grade book from ANYWHERE. I especially enjoy the feature that allows me to communicate with parents and students, and the ability to upload assignments. has not only made my life easier, but has allowed parents the opportunity to see their child’s progress in my class as soon as an assignment is graded.

eInstruction iClickers (as some call them) are handheld remotes that each student has in classroom. Clickers can be used for a WIDE variety of activities and assesments. Some of the more useful applications that I have begun to use are the ability to have students input answers from a test, and have the test graded immediately by the computer. Or, another very useful way to use the clicker is to asses the understanding of every student in a class (during a lesson), instead of the one or two students who always answer the questions. So, I will be able to adapt to the immediate needs of the students. iClickers have made a wonderful addition to my classroom and to my assesment strategies, and, the kids love them! Students respond Teachers modify lesson (if there is a need) Teacher asks a question

eInstruction (continued) While I have been using the clickers from eInstruction in my classroom, I am still working to become familiar with another product that I acquired from them, the interwrite pad. The interwrite might be compared to the Smart Board, with the exception that while the Smart Board is stationary object, the interwrite pad can be carried ANYWHERE in the classroom because it is projected onto the wall/front of them classroom. So, I no longer need to be blocking the white board when I am writing! Also, I have the ability to either interact with objects on the computer desktop, or to write over them! But, I am not a pro at using the board, yet, as it takes a bit of practice.

Lesson Planning This section will include the Field Inquiry on Lesson Planning that was written in the first semester, along with any changes/updates since then.

UNIT PLAN (ALGEBRA 1)

Calculating Grades As I student, and now as a teacher, I believe that it is important for students to be able to calculate their own grades and to know where they “stand” in a class. So, I have included a lesson that I intend to teach to EVERY class at the beginning of the school year (and review the lesson after the first quarter grades are posted).

Sample Test *(I have tests that are ready and made, but I believe that I will be making some changes to those tests, and am therefore going to omit them until a better version completed.)*

Plan B Research Paper Work in Progress

Praxis Test Scores

Classroom Management Field Inquiry on Classroom Management Reflection on Personal Practices

PICTURES!!