The edTPA. Just the name alone can send shivers down the spine of even the most seasoned pre-service teacher. This high-stakes assessment requires meticulous planning, flawless execution, and, perhaps most daunting of all, a flawlessly written commentary. If you're feeling the edTPA panic creeping in, you're not alone. Many aspiring educators find the commentary section to be the most challenging aspect of the entire process. But fear not! This article will provide you with powerful quotes and strategies to elevate your commentary and significantly reduce your stress. We'll explore how to weave these quotes into your writing to demonstrate a deep understanding of pedagogy and effectively support your teaching decisions.
What Makes a Strong edTPA Commentary?
Before diving into the quotes, let's briefly recap what makes an effective edTPA commentary. Your commentary should:
- Be deeply reflective: It's not just about what you did, but why you did it. Connect your actions to relevant pedagogical theories and research.
- Demonstrate strong analytical skills: Analyze student work, identify patterns, and explain how you adjusted your instruction based on your observations.
- Support your claims with evidence: Use concrete examples from your videos and lesson plans to support your arguments. Avoid generalizations.
- Use clear and concise language: The commentary should be well-organized, easy to follow, and free of grammatical errors.
Powerful Quotes to Enhance Your edTPA Commentary
Choosing the right quotes can significantly strengthen your commentary. Here are some examples, categorized for clarity, along with guidance on how to integrate them:
On Student Learning and Development:
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"Learning is not a spectator sport. Students do not learn much just sitting in classes listening to teachers, memorizing pre-packaged assignments, and spitting out answers." – (Often attributed to various educational theorists, the sentiment is widely accepted). This quote can be used to justify your active learning strategies and your focus on student engagement. In your commentary, you can explain how your lesson design moved students beyond passive learning and fostered active participation.
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"The purpose of education is to make students capable of thinking for themselves." – John Dewey This quote is perfect for illustrating your focus on critical thinking and problem-solving skills. You can connect this quote to specific activities in your lesson where students engaged in higher-order thinking.
On Assessment and Feedback:
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"Assessment should be for learning, not just of learning." – Dylan Wiliam This quote beautifully articulates the importance of formative assessment. Use this in your commentary to explain how you used assessment data to inform your instruction and adjust your teaching in real-time to better meet your students' needs.
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"Feedback is a gift." – Anonymous This quote is excellent when discussing your feedback strategies. Use this in the commentary to highlight how you gave thoughtful, targeted, and timely feedback to enhance student learning.
On Differentiation and Inclusive Practices:
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"Every child deserves a champion." – Rita Pierson This powerful quote emphasizes the importance of building positive relationships and providing individualized support. It's ideal for demonstrating your commitment to creating an inclusive classroom environment where every student feels valued and supported.
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"Differentiation is not about giving different students different work, but giving students different ways to learn the same content." – Carol Ann Tomlinson This quote can guide you in demonstrating your understanding of differentiation and how you adjusted your teaching to meet the diverse learning needs of your students.
How to Effectively Use These Quotes:
Don't simply drop these quotes into your commentary without context. Instead, integrate them thoughtfully:
- Introduce the quote: Briefly explain the quote's relevance to your teaching.
- Connect the quote to your practice: Explain how your teaching decisions reflect the quote's message.
- Provide concrete evidence: Use examples from your videos, lesson plans, and student work to support your claims.
Addressing Common edTPA Concerns: Frequently Asked Questions
How many quotes should I use? The number of quotes is less important than the quality of your analysis and the strength of your connections to your teaching practice. Choose quotes that genuinely resonate with your teaching philosophy and support your claims effectively.
Where can I find more quotes? Explore educational journals, books by leading educational theorists, and online databases focused on pedagogy and educational research.
What if I'm not sure how to integrate a quote? Practice writing a few paragraphs that incorporate the quote organically into your reflection. Seek feedback from your university mentor or a colleague.
The edTPA process is undeniably challenging, but with careful planning and a thoughtful approach to your commentary, you can successfully navigate this hurdle and move closer to achieving your dreams of becoming a teacher. Remember, the commentary is your opportunity to showcase your understanding of teaching and learning – make it shine!
