Technology to the Next Level
Planting a seed in each student served is the responsibility of each educator. When creating lessons one must plan with the end in mind. By working in this manner, teachers are better prepared and are able to foster self-directed learning, creative thinking, integrate technology, and foster a better understanding for the content being studied. These elements should be present in all areas of teaching, but one such lesson I have in mind that encompasses each of these is a 4th grade science lesson about weather patterns. The lesson will encompass the GAME model of self-directed learning, as well as creative learning.
Weather is typically an interesting subject for the students and goes along with the state standards. Currently, the students are seated in five groups of five where they are “challenged to learn by working” in a cooperative setting which is consistent with problem-based learning (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009, p. 42). The “G,” or goal, for the lesson is for the students to learn about different weather patterns across the United States. After the goals have been established, then a plan of action will be put into place to begin the discovery process. The students will be monitored throughout for their comprehension and interest in the lessons. Finally, there will be constant and consistent forms of formal and informal assessments along the way in the forms of checklists, rubrics, tests, and finally work samples. The students will facitiate their own questions while answering the “why’s” that make weather puzzle and a mystery at times.
By opening the students’ minds to conundrums, they will use inquiry/discovery method and the inductive methods to learn about their subject (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009, p. 42). The students will have access to computers with internet capability, a listing of suggested weather web sites that will enable their search to gather data and ultimately create their work sampling of creating a weather map.
After viewing and reading this week’s resources, I made several personal and professional connections. While viewing the video I found myself nodding in agreement with the examples given and realized that I am a self-directed learner. I have followed the GAME model for as long as I can remember. By understanding were you are, it is my opinion you can recognize the types of learners you have in your classroom. Making the connections between the types of learner you serve, fostering their learning, integrating technology, and knowing the content you teach you will best advocate for your student and their learning regardless of their learning type. I look forward to using more of the tools and strategies in my daily routine.
Traci,
ReplyDeleteThis is a great GAME plan for your lesson. I completely agree with your assessment about how you found yourself "nodding your head" to the video regarding GAME planning. I have found that many times I have been instituting the strategies that our learning resources discuss without knowing the technical name for them. I think that as educators, we consistently follow the GAME plan model; we have specific goals for our students learning, we have a plan of action for each lesson that we teach, we constantly monitor our student’s reaction and needs to each lesson, and then we evaluate their learning level with observation and assessments. Your lesson on weather is excellent and I would have to say that you are definitely "IN THE GAME"!
Chris,
ReplyDeleteGreetings to you! It is so nice to "see" a familiar name as I became concerned when I entered the Discussion board of this class and recognized no one. At any rate, thank you for your response and Yes, staying "IN THE GAME" is the name of the game in today's times. Teaching has changed so much since I was a child.
When I was young, we all read from the same books, well, I do remember Michele B. leaving the room to read from the Balloons books while the remainder of the class read from the Bears collection. We sat in tidy rows and wrote on the chalk board when called upon. Today, however, it seems I have at least five varied lessons for the same subject on the same day, and that is still not enough. At any rate, I try and I do follow the GAME model and just concentrate on the hour by hour successes. I reflect on each and re evaluate the areas of trouble in hopes of constant growth.
Again, good to hear from ya', Chris!
Traci