Teaching: An Exploration of Best Practices

The purpose of this Action Research Project as part of the fulfillment of my Master of Arts in Teaching degree is to become aware of my teaching practices and to explore options and avenues to better improve my teaching practices. To build a foundation of understanding of teaching practices I first began researching three major themes: effective teaching, evidence-based practices, and developing stronger readers in an ELA classroom; I also sought examples of how I could implement them into my practice . The research begins with an examination of what differentiation is and how it can be modeled. Three sub-themes emerged: designing differentiation, supporting English Language Learners, and how to create inclusive classrooms. Second, my research focuses on identifying the major theme of evidence-based practices by focusing on three sub-themes: high leverage practices, effective instruction in the ELA classroom, and how to create student-centered classrooms. Lastly, because I know that reading is usually a strong indicator for student ability in an ELA classroom, I sought out ways to help develop students into stronger readers. The three sub-themes that arose from this research were using literature circles, technology, and reading identity. I gathered data from my year of student teaching including my teaching journals, lesson plans, lesson materials such as slides or assignments and directions, and teaching observation summaries. Using this data, I analyzed my teaching practices, noting where I had room for growth or had met some of my goals