It is week three in my efforts to master my GAME plan. This past week, I continued to research STEM projects using the internet. An abundance of information is available about inquiry-based and project-based lessons. I am learning what a good inquiry-based lesson should look like to use as a comparison when evaluating other lessons. I am learning to look at the objectives and ask myself whether or not the lesson supports the standards and if it will have real-life meaning for a student. I am looking for organization and how well the unit flows for student understanding.
When I originally had written my GAME plan, my focus was on integrating science and math together using inquiry-based units or project-based units using technology. I had not given thought to how student learning would be assessed in these lessons and units. Dr. Ross suggests that I “…develop a cadre of techniques to monitor and evaluate” (Laureate Education, 2009). I need to consider how student learning would be assessed during and at the end of the unit. I need to consider what parts of the unit need to be assessed and in what ways. For example, how will academic content be measured as compared to how will the growth in technology use be measured? Are those skills of equal importance? Dr. Ross suggests using the following steps in determining effective assessment. First, I need to identify the learning objectives. Second, I need to determine the instructional method and finally, what technology supports the objectives and method of delivery (Cennamo, Ross & Ertmer, 2009). During this week, I will focus on determining how I will assess student learning when using this type of instructional delivery in my classroom.
Jennifer P.
References
Cennamo, K., Ross, J. & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology Integration for Meaningful Classroom Use: A Standards-Based Approach. (Laureate Education, Inc., Custom ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Program 7. Assessing Student Learning with Technology. [Educational video]. Baltimore: Author
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Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteI think that looking at different lessons and the objectives they have to see if they meet different standards you are trying to cover is a great idea. Like you mentioned, this needs to be done before implementing any type of lesson. If we are not teaching our students the content they need to know, then no matter how stimulating or engaging a technology based lesson might be, we should not be using it.
I also think you understand the importance of authentic learning. If a lesson does not have meaning in a child's life, then how well are they really going to remember the content? Great lessons that become ingrained in students minds are the ones that deal with real life situations. This idea of authentic learning can take place in virtually any subject. Whenever a student understands that what he/she is learning can be applied to their life, then true and concrete learning starts to take place.
-Jonas
Jonas,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your response. I agree that learning needs to mean something to the learner. When I attend a professional development, I want the topic to apply to my needs for the classroom. If it does not, I find my mind wandering and learning is not taking place. It is the same for my students. This type of authentic instruction is what the STEM iniative is promoting. It links subjects with meaningful experiences.
Jennifer P.