What can we learn about teaching and learning from these teachers?
Several weeks ago I learned about second language learners in my Human Growth and Development class. After reading about language development and students who don't fully understand English or don't understand it at all, I was worried that I may not be able to teach them as well as students who speak English as their first language. After watching this video, I learned that it is very possible to teach second language learners just as well as English speaking students. In this video, Brian discusses how he used Blogger, Wikipedia, and many other online tools to help his students learn things like science, all while developing language skills too. He explains that his students get feedback from all over the world, and they get to interact with people in different cities, states, and even countries, because of the internet and the technology they use in class.
I had never heard of the blended learning cycle prior to watching this video. After listening to Paul Anderson, I learned that it is taking the compelling parts of online learning and technology, and blending it with a regular classroom. He uses the acronym, QIVER, to explain. You start with a question, then investigate, then watch a video, then elaborate, then review, and then they take a summary quiz. Paul uses technology throughout the entire process. They watch videos online, use spreadsheets, and they can investigate using the internet. I think that using the blended learning cycle is a great tool to use in science, along with other subjects, and I hope to use it in my classroom one day.
In the video, Mark Church explains how he gets his students to think of headlines for the driving question of their lesson. I learned that this is a great way to get students excited about learning something. After they create their headlines and investigate the topic more thoroughly, he asks the students what they would change about their headlines. This shows what the students have learned.
This video was all about Sam Pane's class creating cartoon super heroes who protect the internet from things like bullies, and hackers. First, the class discussed internet safety, and then they created their super heroes using a tool on their computers. I think this would be a great lesson for teaching my students how to be kind and safe on the internet, and I plan on using it. I believe the kids would really enjoy this lesson.
The teachers from this video have blended all of their classes together. Instead of going to three different classes, the students stay in one class that covers all three: history, English, and technology/computer. After watching the video, I learned that this is a very effective way to teach. The teachers said that with the extra time they have with their students, they can teach them so much more. They said that the work they get is better, and that more students are proud of what they accomplished.
At Roosevelt Elementary, they have created an excellent PBL program that is working wonderfully at their school. They not only teach their students the information, they teach them how to think for themselves. They also promote public speaking at an early age, which helps them not to fear it when they get older. Along with public speaking, their students learn many other life skills, like collaborating with others and using technology. Throughout the video, I heard several teachers use the term, "self-motivated." This taught me that PBL can motivate students to WANT to learn, which many people struggle with. Getting students excited about learning can be hard, but Roosevelt Elementary has done a good job of it.
Very good and detailed :)
ReplyDelete