Core Competency Self-Assessment

Critical Thinking

Throughout the process of creating my button dichotomous key I used critical thinking in order to problem solve, analyze the buttons, and improve through feedback. This assignment challenged my problem-solving skills because many of the buttons couldn’t fit into certain categories, or we were stuck when deciding what words to use to separate/describe the buttons. As an example, we were unsure of what to call the shanks on the shank buttons. We tried to use our problem-solving skills to analyze the buttons and create a name for the shanks based off their shape. I found that starting the dichotomous key challenged me the most because I didn’t fully understand the way the chart was supposed to flow. My partner and I began on our key the way we thought made the most sense, but we asked for some feedback on the proper organization that the chart was supposed to have. After gaining our feedback we developed our chart to include the proper formatting and flow. The feedback that we gained was crucial in the process of completing our key to the best of our abilities. Overall, the creation of our button dichotomous key challenged my problem-solving skills and encouraged my growth as a critical thinker.

Core Competency Goals

When I need to boost my mood or re-focus, I listen to music or participate in something active.

One of my goals for this year is to find new ways that i am able to boost my mood or re-focus. As of now I have two main activities when I need a boost of happiness. Unfortunately I know that I am unable to do these activities during school when I need to focus. Throughout class I’m unable to get up and go for a walk or listen to music during certain moments. In order to stay focused and happy during school I am going to find accessible ways to do so. I am going to do this by keeping track of what keeps my in a good mood throughout the day, keep a log on what points I felt like I needed to refocus, and reflect on my day to see what I can improve for the following day.

What makes you want to get new ideas or try something new?

The main thing that makes me want to generate new concepts and trying new things is my peers. I find my peers to be very influential on my learning. Talking and creating with peers inspires me to make and think of more creative ideas. They can help push me to try something that I never though of doing before. An example of this, is when my friend from middle school who I was working on a group project with came up with an idea that was totally outside of the box. She wanted to go above and beyond the expectations of the project but I wasn’t sure if it was a good plan. She assured me that we would be fine and we might as well try it. I was able to build off of her ideas and together we made an amazing project that our teacher and peers loved. My goal for this year is to build on these skills that I possess to grow and improve as a learner.

I make an effort to include missing voices/ perspectives by researching all sides to every story and encouraging others around me to share their ideas and opinions.

Recently in English class I learned about the importance of hearing every perspective to a story. I found out that it’s very easy for details to get lost or twisted in history. I feel that it’s very important to not jump to conclusions or judge a story if you haven’t been well educated in all sides of it. My goal for this year is to take extra care and time when researching historical events to ensure that I am not missing anyone’s voice or perspective. I will work on this during school and outside of school when taking with those in my community.

English 10 Core Competency Self-Assessment

Thinking CC

For my core competency self-assessment, I chose my infographic to represent the thinking core competency. During this assignment, I used analyzed evidence to create educated predictions on the character’s thought process. When writing the information on my infographic I reflected on my choices to determine whether or not they were fitting for the character to say. I started out this project using a template, I then made it my own by using various shapes to make the infographic pleasing to the eyes. I found it challenging at times to find pictures that related to the topic. Throughout this challenge, I keep persevering to find the best picture to fit the topic. Overall, I practiced my critical and creative thinking skills to complete this project.

Core Competency Self-Assessment

Social Awareness & Responsibility in CLE

Me Card Poster Project

Once we completed our me cards, we presented them to the class. Presenting my project allowed me to participate in a class activity to connect with my peers. While my peers were presenting their projects I was attentive, positive, and respectful towards them. I was aware that any disturbances and comments are unnecessary actions that were disrespectful to my class mates. When listening to others present their projects I found it challenging to sit still and stay alert. I knew that if I focused hard enough I’d be able to push through in order to be respectful. These presentations taught me that I have to work on my active listening skills. This is an important life skill because in order to fully comprehend what is being talked about you need to be actively listening. To practice this skill, whenever my teachers are lecturing and I start to feel bored I am going to regroup by taking deep breaths. Once I regroup I will be able to continue to actively listen.

English 10 Core Competency Self-Assessment

Collaborating

My Artifact: Scout Body Biography Project

Throughout our body biography project I practiced collaboration skills to finish the project. I showed these skills when working with my group members to complete the project to the best of our abilities. We were able to assign different roles to our group members to ensure that we contributed the same amount of information to the project. Our group made sure to listen to each others ideas in a respectful manner. I took on a leader role in the group and did this in a polite way. I encouraged my group member to complete their work to the best of their abilities. Overall our group used a variety of different ways to demonstrate collaboration. I hope to continue building my collaboration skills with my peers throughout the semester.

Linear and Non-Linear Equations

Linear Equations

Equation 1:

y-3=4(x+1)

This is a linear equation. I can tell from the graph because the line is straight and it is a function. I can tell from the equation, because it is in the form y=mx+b.

Equation 2:

2x-3y=12

This is a linear equation. I can tell from the graph because it’s a function and the line is straight. I can tell from the equation, because it is in the form y=mx+b.

Non-Linear

Equation 1:

y=(x+1)(x-1)

This is not a linear equation. I can tell from the graph because the line is curved. I can tell from the equation, because it is not in the form y=mx+b.

Equation 2:

y=2ˣ

This is not a linear equation. I can tell from the graph because the line is curved. I can tell from the equation, because it is not in the form y=mx+b.

Self-Assessment

I explored mathematical ideas using technology when I graphed equations in the online Desmos graphing calculator. By using this tool, I was able to easily graph equations and apply my learning to find out whether the equation is linear or non-linear.

I analyzed data and used criteria to draw conclusions when determining whether the equation is linear or non-linear. I did this by graphing the equation in Desmos graphing calculator then finding out if the line was straight and if it’s a function.

I justified my conclusions with evidence when I followed each step carefully to ensure that I got the correct answer. I used steps such as following the format of y=mx+b when determining whether an equation is linear and the vertical line test for functions.

CPR Reflection

  1. What was something you learned that you didn’t know or consider before?

Throughout this unit I learned many important steps on how to properly compete CPR. I never considered the importance of being able to differentiate between heart attacks, strokes, and cardiac arrest. It’s very important to know he difference because you need to take different steps in order to properly help the person.

2. What is a key takeaway from the Theory or Practical CPR unit?

A key takeaway from this unit was learning that giving the person breaths isn’t a crucial part of CPR and isn’t needed to save a persons life. The most important part of CPR is the chest compressions and how they are delivered. Learning how to use an AED is also an important step that I learned throughout this unit.

3. How does this unit connect to the nutrition unit learned previously?

This unit connects to the nutrition unit because your diet can directly impact your chances of having a heart attack or stroke. In the nutrition unit we learned that eating a lot of fatty and processed foods can cause major health risks. In the CPR unit we learned heart attacks are caused by blocked arteries. These arteries typically get blocked when your diet is high in fat.

Core Competency Reflection

  1. I work with others to achieve a goal.

Throughout this unit I was able to work with a small group of people to learn how to perform CPR. We were able to bounce ideas off each other and complete a practical test.

2. I am kind to others, and support others when they need it.

I chose this statement because I am always here for my peers and am able to assist them when they need it. I am constantly doing my best to be kind and helpful to my peers.

3. I can form new ideas to create new things. I can also build on the ideas of others.

I am able to think outside of the box and use these ideas in a creative setting. I also listen to the ideas of others and think about how I can expand off of those ideas.

4. I consider more than one way to proceed in an investigation.

Before starting any research or assignment I plan out different steps I can take in order to get the best outcome. I am then able to apply these steps to complete anything to the best of my abilities.

Goal

I can show a sense of accomplishment and joy. I take pride in my work and myself.

I would like this statement to be my goal going forwards because I feel as though I am very hard on myself and don’t allow myself to take pride in my work. Sometimes I am so focused on school I lose sight of my accomplishments. I feel as though taking a step back and celebrating those accomplishments will give me more motivation going forwards.

My Podcast

Podcast File

Reflection

  1. What were your books? Did you enjoy / hate / not care (for) them?  

The book that I read was Blue Gold by Elizabeth Stewart. I really enjoyed reading this book because it had a very strong message behind it. After reading the book I was able to reflect on my past purchases and understand how these may affect people from all over the world. 

  1. How did you feel about working with a group? Did you make the work equal? Was it more trouble than a benefit? 

I really liked working in a group for this project because everyone worked well together. In the group we had different roles. By having these roles, the workload was equal. It was nice to work in a group because we were able to bounce ideas off each other to generate better ideas. 

  1. What was your takeaway from the project? 

What I took away from this project was that group work isn’t always horrible. I normally hate group work because not everyone does the work they are supposed to do. I’m normally the person who does all the work for other people but in this group that wasn’t the case. We made sure the work was equal throughout the group and all did our share.  

  1. How was the use of technology in this project? Who did what when it came to the tech elements? 

I thought that the use of technology in this project was very straightforward. Hannah recorded the audio with her phone and Xavier edited the audio. Uploading the audio to the blog was very straightforward and took no time. 

Graphic Novel Adaptation

My Reflection

Tim Burton, in Edward Scissorhands, used the hold me scene in order to show the hardships that Edward must face if he is going to stay in the town. Edward felt as though he was starting to fit in, but as the movie progressed, he starts to realize that he is never going to fit in. In this scene Edward tries to hug Kim but Edward was unable to due to his hands. The music started to slow down to show that Edward felt defeated because he was unable to do what Kim had asked him to. At this moment Edward realized that he couldn’t continue to live in the town because he would never be “normal”. Kim was able to pick up on the way Edward felt so came over to him and hugged him. She tried to show Edward that although he may never be perfect, in her eyes he was perfect. Once Kim hugged Edward the music changed to be more romantic. This allowed the viewer to understand the importance of Kim being there for Edward. I was able to feel a strong connection to Edward and understand what he was feeling during the embrace.   

For example, in my own interpretation, I kept the part where the camera zooms in on Edward while he’s hugging Kim because his eyes are open showing that he is deep in thought. Edward was thinking about the future and what his next move was. At this point Edward knew he couldn’t stay in the town. I know this because the music started to get louder and less romantic showing that he was anxious about what would happen after. This adaptation from film to visual novel taught me how important music is to a movie. If there was no music or sounds in Edward Scissorhands, then the viewers wouldn’t be able to connect with the characters. The music was able to manipulate the way the viewers felt to help form a deep connection with the characters. For example, when the music got louder and faster the view felt panicked. This allows the viewer to infer about what would happen next, which leaves the viewer interested in the movie.