* How effective were your actions in helping you meet your goals?
So far my actions have helped me become more motivated in pursuing my goals further. I have created plans for working on a collaborative lesson with another second grade class. I have researched online learning communities within my district so that I can better understand the technology that is provided for me.
* What have you learned so far that you can apply in your instructional practice?
I have found many great resources that I will be using this year with my planning, I will also be using KWL charts more frequently to help inspire questions for problem based learning.
* What do you still have to learn? What new questions have arisen?
I still want to learn more ways to implement technology in the classroom I sometimes get stuck on the same uses that I am comfortable with and have already used. I would like to hear more from teacher chat groups and other in the education field to provide me with fresh ideas and uses.
I also have so many more questions about problem based learning such as how is there space in the classroom for students to be working on various different ideas or final projects at one time? Also how long does it take to get children familiar with the concept especially at a younger age? Finally how does timing work I am thinking of my huge variety of students and how I always have those that are so far behind sometimes due to behavior and others due to other disabilities. I of course modify their assignment but sometimes that doesn't help and they get even more discouraged when they see their peers finish and begin a different project.
* How will you adjust your plan to fit your current needs?
I think that this is not the time for me to be joining another committee I am in a lot already and just found out I am switching from my well known primary grade to an intermediate grade with the F-Cat. Even though time outside of school may be more limited I will be able to use more independent technology projects with the older students.
Ertmer, P.“Spotlight on Technology: Problem-Based Learning, Part 1”
Ertmer, P.“Spotlight on Technology: Problem-Based Learning, Part Two”
Cennamo, K., Ertmer, P., Ross, J.,(2009). Technology Integration for Meaningful Classroom Use: A Standards-Based Approach.
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Laura,
ReplyDeleteStudents can work on projects in and out of the classroom. I sometimes have one group at the library, one group outside shooting a video, another group on the computer, and finally the rest researching and brainstorming.Sometimes they will finish the entire project at home so they do not have to do anything further in class. Be flexible! As for students usage of technology, start small and scaffold that knowledge to other projects throughout he year. If you are not comfortable using the technology than your students wont be either. I also have ELL's and RSP students that work in pairs instead of individually.When their partner is absent they pick a new one for the day. I often take the students who are ahead of the project or finished and offer extra credit to help these challenged students. I hope that helps because it has been successful for me so far- good luck!
Amber,
ReplyDeleteI found it very interesting when Dr. Ertmer addressed using KWHL charts in order to allow students to determine the investigation in a problem-based learning environment. I do agree with her in the fact that this will encourage creativity. However, I also assume that students will need to observe models, and will need to be monitored and guided through this process in order for them to develop an appropriate open-ended question to investigate.
In regards to your same uses of technology, I think it is fine to reuse the same technology lessons as long as they meet the needs of your students and it is accomplishing the goals your are striving for. However, it is always nice to change it up and provide a fresh look.
I can imagine that you might feel overwhelmed now that you are switching grade levels. Exactly what grade will you be teaching and will you have a whiteboard in your classroom? I might be able to provide some lesson ideas for you to lessen the stress.
Meghan
I think when it comes to your students that seem behind the other student, you should look at how you are grouping them. I think if the students are in groups that support each other, the more advanced students will help the struggling ones to be more successful. Also, I think the struggling students will have a chance to look up to one or more of the peers and strive to perform better. As for changing grade levels, just think of it as starting teaching again. The big difference this time is that you are wiser, so the start should work out smoother. I teach high school math, but I have changed the type of math I teach and the level of students I have every year for the past 4 years. You worry at first, but after a couple of weeks or a month, its like nothing has changed.
ReplyDeleteI too have been switched, or was last yar, from my love of primary grades to 4th grade. It is VERY different. I was excited thinking about how much more independent they are in the upper elementary, but then when I figured in the Mastery Tests, I hit rock bottom again. I do think it will be fun to try to use PBL in my fourth grade room, but my concern is that I will not be able to fit it in. Do you have the same concern? With this being my second year in the grade, I am hoping I am more comfortable and will be able to find a way to incorporate PBL in my teaching.
ReplyDeleteMegan, I will be teaching 3rd grade now which is the big F-Cat standardized testing grade in the state of Florida.
ReplyDeleteMs.Bucci, I agree I love primary but the older students are more independent and able to understand directions on more projects.
ReplyDeleteI have all the same concerns as you do. I can still remember my favorite DVD that we had last summer to view. The teacher was doing a unit on the Great Fire in Chicago. I remember being able to watch her teach the entire unit. I think, like a student, I need more modeling done for myself. I sometimes get sick and tired of being told what to do, and never told how to do it. I would like to observe a Problem Based Learning activity from start to finish. Just observe and take notes. My biggest obstacle is grading such a process. I have been trained to grade test and projects, not the process.
ReplyDeleteI often have the same problem in sticking with technology that I am comfortable with and that I have used before. I really want to learn to use different technology, but I am worried about the time that it would take to learn and implement the new technology. Also, I think for my first year of teaching (still yet to happen) I think it would be easier to only implement a couple pieces of new technology and build up after that.
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