INTERNSHIPREFLECTION 4 M. Ed.

In Educational Technology AEET/EDET 650, Internship in Educational Technology

Student Name: Mary Lanham-Bates Internship Site: Saluda High School On-Site Supervisor(s): Kathy Charles Faculty Supervisor: Dr. Tom Smyth Part I: My Progress Analysis My biggest accomplishment thus far has been creating the lessons for the argumentative writing. The lessons were difficult to write since I really had to establish a simpler approach to argumentative writing. To accomplish this task, I consulted Kelly Gallaghers book entitled Write More, Grade Less to locate resources to help the students grasp the concept of argumentative writing. It was a significant step since I was able to gain a deeper knowledge of how to reach lower level students. Once I established this lesson, I then presented it to my students. It was a difficult process since they were not so thrilled with the terminology and seemingly threatening wordscounterarguments and opposing viewpoints. Beyond this lesson on argumentative writing, I also made huge strides in locating more articles that reflective the idea of Voice Thread and its impact upon students writing and confidence. The articles gave me more insight as to the growing use of technology to advance student writing skills. Part II: My Personal Reaction I did not realize how much students are lacking when it comes to argumentative writing. They can argue a point verbally, but when it comes to a logical, coherent argument, they have a hard time using evidence that helps to establish their claim. The students were frustrated in that they just wanted to talk, not truly present a claim and then acknowledge

and counter the opposing side. I had to model the process to them much more than the narrative and descriptive paragraphs. It seemed as though they were rejecting the hard work versus the concept. This writing sample involved reading sources that presented both sides of the argument, so the students had to listen to each article and synthesize the information in order to develop a claim to the essential question. I was satisfied that each student tried, but I really want to try this lesson again. I dont believe lower level students can comprehend this concept with just one practice session. The students were again excited to be a part of this internship; in fact, one student stated that he feels important and that he is happy that I want to help them learn how to write better.