UNIVERSITY OF PUERTO RICO
AGUADILLA CAMPUS
MY TEACHER PREPARATION PROGRAM
WELCOME!
MEET THE TEACHER
Hello and welcome to my e-portfolio!
My name is Nicole Pérez Rodríguez, I am 21 years old, and hoping to complete my studies in UPRAg! English has always been my favorite subject, and throughout my life I have discovered that education inspires me because it is what shapes and evolves us.
Some of my interests include literature, art, and foreign movies. I like reading micro-stories, my favorite painting is Van Gogh's Starry Night, and an Almodóvar's favorite film of mine is "Volver".
My hobbies are listening to music while I roller skate. I also enjoy taking pictures of the sky and meditating by the beach.
TEACHING PHILOSOPHY
I believe education should provide a learning environment where students feel comfortable, engaged, and ready to learn. Instruction should challenge the students' intellectual abilities and guide them into their process of acquiring the language. The teacher should use authentic and diverse materials, activities, and strategies that involve and approach the students' multiple intelligences and learning styles.
Instruction should respect diversity, model and promote fairness, and recognize that every student has the potential to learn and be successful.
RESUME
Work History
November 2018 - Present
SALES ASSOCIATE, TJMAXX
Maintains a clean, organized inventory and curated displays of rotating seasonal clothing and accessories
Anticipates customer needs and provided them with high-quality service while upholding brand standards and values to ensure customer satisfaction
Happily guides customers through the process of successfully finding their ideal styles
Meticulously handles POS system transactions, including credit, cash, exchanges, returns, and refunds to ensure seamless and accurate cash flow
Actively stays informed about the latest sales offerings and loyalty programs
EDFU 3017 EVALUATION IN SECONDARY EDUCATION
Reflection
I decided to choose my multi-genre portfolio as my best and favorite work because it was fun to do. I really liked “The Story of an Hour” by Kate Chopin and I consider it one of my favorite short stories because it contains a theme in feminism. I also enjoyed creating a cover page for my portfolio because we had the opportunity to be creative and also of portraying an image that describes the story of our choosing.
It was a little hard for me to decide on which activities I was going to implement in my portfolio, but I took the Doctor’s example as a guide and really liked the ideas of activities she presented. I gave my students a research activity where they have to research about women in the 1900s, which I find so interesting because they are going to learn about that specific period of time and make connections to the story. They can also deduct or infer ideas related to the story.
The Venn diagram is also fun because they are going to execute what they gathered on their research into the compare and contrast diagram. The other activity I really like is the one where students create a character bio-poem. I think this gives them an opportunity to think in-depth about the character’s feelings, desires, fears, traits, among other things. This makes a sort of a connection between the student and the character of their choosing. And of course, they reinforce their comprehension and writing skills as well.
Overall, I loved doing this project because it gave me ideas of activities that I can give to my future students. They are all diverse and fun activities that work writing and comprehension skills. It is also a great resource for students to have so that their learning progress can be evidenced and seen. I am definitely putting this piece in my teacher binder!
INGL 3425 TEACHING WRITING
INGL 3425: WRITING ACTIVITY
Teaching students how to write is an essential life skill that helps students into approaching the real-world. Writing is not a skill to just pass a class or graduate, it is a skill that one must acquire and develop because it has many purposes – personal, educational, professional, social activism, among others. I chose to reflect on my Mini Lesson Project, which is about the drafting phase in the writing process. We will focus on learning about what it means to draft and what it requires through the Drafting Stage PowerPoint. We will discuss objectives, the quote of the day, a pre and post test activity, and the instruction on drafting. I believe incorporating a pre test and post test activity is a great way of assessing students knowledge before and after a lesson. It also increases the probability of student learning.
After discussing the presentation on drafting, students will be working on the Drafting Stage Worksheet. In this activity, students will start to write their first drafts. The worksheet includes several facts about the drafting stage, which helps students into staying on task and understanding the drafting phase. During the presentation, I provided several varied ideas for students first drafts, so that they know that they have options and they even can choose their topic of their choice. I also modeled for them on the board, which really makes a difference. I believe modeling is extremely important in the classroom because if we don’t show how it’s done, then students won’t really understand or feel comfortable doing the task. We need to teach and demonstrate, not just lecture. Most importantly, students get to see that, not because we are teachers it means that writing is easy because it is not; writing is an ongoing process that requires critical thinking. Students need to be aware that what they experience during the writing process, is what we, as future teachers, experience as well. Along with the worksheet, I also provided a checklist/tips handout on the drafting stage. Students can mark off the recommended steps during the drafting phase as they complete them. This helps students into staying focused and on task as well as making sure they are drafting with success. They won’t feel lost, instead they will feel prepared and organized when having these types of handouts. Along with the previous mentioned handout, I also provided a helpful sheet on transitional words and phrases for students to use when drafting. These will help them into structuring and organizing their drafts as they keep drafting. I believe providing extra resources for students is important because we need to make sure they understand so that they can develop their writing skills, which they will need during their lifetime.
All in all, my mini lesson will greatly benefit students because I provide them with a clear and concise instruction. I will constantly assess them and model for them, so that they feel comfortable and prepared working on the lesson and activities assigned. I provide my students with enough resources that help them in maintaining their focus, which in the long run results in strong writing skills and success in all aspects of their lives.
INGL 3425 TEACHING WRITING
This multi-genre portfolio is based on "The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin. I enjoyed constructing it because I think it is a great resource for documenting student knowledge and progress. It is also great for students to familiarize themselves with short stories and learn how to analyze them. Each activity covered in the portfolio emphasizes comprehension, critical thinking, and writing skills.
INGL 3425 TEACHING WRITING
In this lesson plan students will learn the four types of conflict and identify them in "The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin. They will then work on the story's sequence of events and create an alternative ending to the story. Students will create a collage that illustrates the story's events, themes, main idea, conflicts, among others. I included differentiated instruction worksheets as well.
Overall, I enjoyed creating this lesson plan because it helps students when identifying the conflict in a story as well as analyzing it and its characters. Students will also expand their creativeness by writing an alternative ending and creating a collage based on the story.
TEED
This homemade educational game is titled "Actions Game" because students have to say out loud the action being made on the picture presented. Each student will score five points for every correct answer. They can also collect three extra points if they use the action or verb in a full sentence.
Overall, I had fun making this activity because I know that students will find it entertaining. The best thing is that it is enjoyable and at the same time educational because students are practicing their speaking in English as well as creating complete sentences.
INGL 3231 ADVANCED COMPOSITION
Reflection
Throughout the course INGL 3231, I worked on enhancing and developing my reading and writing skills. I absolutely enjoyed this class because we worked from simple to complex ideas, creative writing exercises, and collaborative discussions. We also made use of the textbook "They Say, I say," which was very helpful in the process of becoming a better, efficient writer. I believe this course prepared me for when I get into grad school, given that I will be writing a thesis. All in all, this was an enriching class that improved greatly my writing skills and argumentative skills. This class definitely helped me to get to grad school.
INGL 4205 INTRODUCTION TO LINGUISTIC THEORY
Reflection
During the class Introduction to Linguistic Theory, I learned about the underlying principles when it comes to the nature of human language. It was fascinating getting to know about language -- something we use every single day, but from a whole new perspective. I learned about the different rules and principles of the language to understand and teach it better. Then, as my final project, I wrote a research paper on brain injury impact and cognitive-communication skills. I enjoyed writing this paper because it enhanced my research and writing skills. I had to research different types of disorders caused by brain injury, real-life experiences, assessments, recommendations, professional advice, and future research. All in all, this was definitely a class that gave me an outlook on what research is and improved my writing skills.
TEED 3035 INTEGRATION OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS IN THE CLASSROOM
Reflection
Each and every work created for this course provided me with innovative and creative ways of teaching. Moreover, it helped me to feel prepared and confident about my lessons and my future job as a teacher.
The Autobiography Video assignment helped me discover the approach I will use with my students -- one that they feel comfortable asking any questions because I am a constructive teacher who is willing to do anything for my students to be able to learn.
The UDL Graphic Organizer assignment helped me to better organize my lessons, what I want students to take from them, and how to make them fun and interesting. It also helped me to reach each student.
Finally, the creation and development of my educational website helped me to learn how to teach through visuals and sounds. This is important because students have diverse ways of learning and I believe each of them could benefit from this website because it contains lessons and assessments of every type.
Click here for my Autobiography Storyboard
Click here for my Autobiography Video
Click here for my UDL Graphic Organizer
Click here for the Lesson Plan 1: Types of Conflict
Click here for the Lesson Plan 2: Shortstory
Click here for the Lesson Plan 3: Editing and Revising
Click here for my educational website
INGL 3205 GRAMMAR CHARACTERISTICS OF ENGLISH
Reflection
During the course of Grammar Characteristics of English, I learned to improve my writing skills and how to teach grammar in English. This class focused on clusters of structures — sounds, forms, word groups, phrases, and we worked from smaller to larger units. I learned about phonology, morphology, syntax, and semantics. I worked on different and diverse activities that required me to edit and modify sentences so that they were grammatically correct. I also worked on developing a test that assessed grammar. Unfortunately, I do not have evidence of the classwork due to that I took the class during the COVID-19 Pandemic and was a first-year student in UPR Aguadilla. Overall, this was a great class that enhanced and improved my writing skills, personally and professionally as an English teacher.
INGL 3227 PHONETICS
Reflection
Throughout the Phonetics course, I learned theory on language and pronunciation. I worked with the three types of phonetics and the different types of phonetic sounds -- vowel sounds, short and long vowels, and consonant sounds, among many other topics. I enjoyed learning about how to pronounce certain words and what movements and sounds to make in order to achieve the correct pronunciation.
As my final project for this course, I had to do a lesson teaching a specific phonetic type and sound as well as record myself giving the lesson. Unfortunately, I do not have the recording or the lesson plan with me because this class was taken during the COVID-19 Pandemic. However, the final project was one of great knowledge because I put into practice phonetics concepts and teaching abilities.
INGL 4327 YOUNG ADULT LITERATURE
Reflection
After presenting my book talk and watching my classmates' book talk, I concluded that I did a very good job on it, though I have space for improvement. Firstly, I had a good tone and voice, but I found that I could have been a bit more enthusiastic.
My pronunciation was well, but I realized that it could have been more articulated so that students understand what I am saying. On the other hand, I believe the theme and format of my book talk resembled the book I chose, We Are Okay by Nina LaCour. This is a book that portrays loneliness and depression, hence it tackles mental health. The book ends with a hopeful note that makes me think about a phrase I often say, “The sun always rises again.”
The colors of my book talk include variations of blue and purple. Blue symbolizes sadness, but also serenity and peacefulness. On the other hand, purple portrays power, spirituality, and creativity. These colors resemble the themes that LaCour illustrates in the book. We Are Okay talks about the process of healing, so the color scheme fits well. I believe this is a strong and essential term for young adults because they are going through developmental and exploration stages in which change plays an important role.
As for my book talk’s delivery, I could have done it in a more captivating way for young adults. For example, I focused my video on mental health and philosophical views, but not all young adults may completely understand or be aware of what these words mean. Therefore, they may not be interested in reading the book because they are not clear about these terms yet. However, if I would have written something as simple as “You are not alone” as one of the reasons to read the book, I could have captivated the attention of young adults.
Overall, I enjoyed the process of creating my book talk and I believe my message was clear and detailed, despite the few weak aspects. I also believe that it has the power to reach and impact students in educational and personal ways.
EDPE 4005 SEMINAR & CURRICULUM OF LEARNING AT THE SECONDARY LEVEL
Reflection
Every single work created for the seminar class impacted me as a teacher, though the teaching portfolio was the most enriching experience I have had in my years of studying. The part I loved the most was the teaching demonstrations I had to give. My favorite class was the first one because it was successful in every aspect.
During the first class I gave to 11th graders, we learned about cause and effect. I projected a presentation on it, and then we did two worksheets. Below I attached one of the worksheets, which is my favorite one because students’ loved it as well. Since we were having a lesson on cause and effect, I created a worksheet in which they had to draw the cause and write the effects based on a personal experience in their lives. Every student shared their ideas with me, and I provided helpful feedback and motivation. Some students shared deep, personal experiences with me, and I truly connected and empathized with them.
I discovered that I love the process of creating interesting, helpful material for my students and worksheets that promote higher-level thinking skills. I know lesson planning takes so much time when done properly, but I do not mind it because the goal is for students to learn and connect in a real way.
Furthermore, I found out I enjoy providing individualized help to students because it allows me to know students better and help them in the learning process. I also learned that every student is unique and different, which made me realize the importance of differentiated instruction. Therefore, next semester, during my practice, I will make sure to provide diverse worksheets with different levels of knowledge because students learn in various ways and have different abilities.
All in all, the demonstrating classes experience was one of the best because it reflected my essence as a teacher and the change and impact I want to make next year to form wise, conscious, and intelligent students.
EDPE 4245 METHODS IN TESOL SECONDARY
Reflection
The course EDPE 4245 was a fundamental course that taught me how to do lesson planning and assessment in the classroom. We worked on vocabulary terms to help us understand complex practices later on. We then focused on creating complete lesson plans -- this was the best part because the lesson plan is a teacher's best friend. During the class, we mainly put into practice the theory we learned, which was something I enjoyed. We worked in groups to improve our learning and techniques, and practiced teaching. All in all, this was one of the core courses that helped me in the process of improving my lesson plan skills as well as how to assess students in the classroom.
EDPE 4246 PRACTICE TESOL SECONDARY EDUCATION
Reflection
Throughout my English at the secondary level practice, I had to come up with an event specifically for the school students. Therefore, I decided to focus the event on student motivation, due to the low levels of motivation in students. Thus, I brought two counselors from the UPR in Aguadilla to conduct a workshop on motivation to 11th-grade students. The workshop had space for students to evaluate distinct aspects of their life -- emotional, mental, physical, spiritual, and social, among many others. Therefore, they took part in the workshop and had a hands-on experience. Topics such as college, adult life, and motivation were touched along with many reflections for students to reflect on and a song for students to feel identified. After the workshop, students had many options for snacks and drinks. Overall, this was an authentic and memorable experience because I am sure some of the students were touched and many learned something that day.
TEED 4038 PRODUCTIVITY PROGRAMS FOR MICROCOMPUTERS
Written Tutorial Reflection
One of the assignments I had to create for this course was a written tutorial on a free productivity tool. I chose Canva because it is so easy to use, and everyone should know about it due to its numerous tools and possibilities. I did my written tutorial on how to create a presentation using Canva. I enjoyed making this assignment because it implemented technology and education – the purpose of the course. I am a visual learner, so I tried to explain each step with screenshots of my screen and additional elements as graphics. At the end of my written tutorial, I wrote several other tips on exploring and navigating Canva.
Overall, this course will shape my future teaching classes in a modern, dated environment. The truth is, technology constantly changes, and as a future teacher, I also need to evolve with it. Thus working on this course in general taught me multimedia resources that will definitely be effective in the classroom and I cannot wait to use them.
TEED 4038 PRODUCTIVITY PROGRAMS FOR MICROCOMPUTERS
Back to School Webquest Reflection
One of the first assignments from the course was the Back to School Webquest, which is one of my top favorite projects from the whole semester. One of the purposes of this assignment was to look for resources and/or donations in order to start the school year with the necessary materials so that students could succeed. This project was done in groups of three, and I did the word processing part. My section consisted of writing letters to local grocery stores, shops, and restaurants to ask for any type of donation they could provide. This includes materials such as notebooks, pencils, binders, and books, among many others. Moreover, I had to look for a place to host the talent show, which was the main event in which we would recollect more donations or money.
This assignment impacted me because next semester, during practice, I need to come up with an event that impacts the school community. Therefore, making this project gave me an outlook on what I will be working on very soon. I learned how to properly write letters, and how to look for resources. All in all, this is truly an activity that I will not forget because I will soon be using everything I learned during it.
TEED 3008 AUDIO VISUAL AIDS IN EDUCATION
Reflection
During the course TEED 3008, I learned about the different types of activities teachers can do when working with elementary students. I did a calligraphy notebook in which I worked on the different types of strokes for learning how to write. I also practiced creativity by drawing an image of the word written on each notebook page.
I also worked collaboratively with peers in creative projects and it was a great experience because I got to develop my creative skills and even get an outlook of what it would be to teach elementary kids.
The final project was to create a puppet and a short film -- it was so fun and creative connecting with my inner child and learning about activities that younger students would like. Overall, this course taught me how to make classes fun when working with elementary kids.
TEED 4018 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS IN EDUCATION
Reflection
During the course of Introduction to Computers in Education, I learned the basics when using a computer to enhance knowledge in my classes. We worked on different computer programs such as Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. This class enhanced my skills in word processing programs, which are essential nowadays. I believe this course gave me a nice introduction to the programs I can use to facilitate teaching and it definitely helped in shaping my technology skills. The final assessment for this class was writing an essay about how I learn as a person and what I need in order to enhance my learning. All in all, this was a nice, basic class that helped in getting to know the word processing programs and how to use them to improve student learning.
EDES 3205 TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE IN SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENTS
Visual Impairment and Blindness Technology
Throughout the EDES 3205 course, I learned about the different impairments and disabilities in special education students. I had the opportunity of creating and developing a technical assistance for three different types of disabilities -- one of them being UNO cards with braille on them. I also designed a day to day tool for blind people -- index cards that are attached to clothing pieces. These index cards indicate the type of clothing, whether it is a t-shirt, formal shirt or long sleeve shirt, and the color of it. I decided to do this type of low-cost technology because it is something that people with visual impairment and blindness can use in their daily lives.
All in all, this was a very enriching course because I gained knowledge on the various disabilities that exist and how to work with them because we never know when we are getting a student with a disability. I believe this course is essential for every teacher.
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."