The focus of the collaborative
learning community is learning - learning where students are
actively demonstrating their understanding, rather than students passing written
tests as the sole sign of knowing. Learning, that is based on conceptual
understanding and the ability to apply this knowledge in a variety of contexts,
is a primary goal within a collaborative learning community. It is a new way of
thinking for most educators (and the public) to know that all students can and
will learn, that learning needs to be demonstrated, that it is important to
learn not only facts, but also conceptual relationships of ideas and the
processes and positive attitudes of learning. There is much talk about thinking
and problem-solving skills, multiple intelligences, learning styles and
fostering creativity; yet, implementation of these ideas are often relegated to
separate programs. They have not yet been embedded in each and everything that
is taught. Putting the focus on student learning, rather than teacher telling or
"covering the content", means (1) students take responsibility for their own
learning, (2) learning experiences are geared to students' interests and needs,
(3) students are actively engaged in learning in a variety of groups and
contexts, and (4) learning is understood, applied and internalized.
Offers short nonfiction readings- good site for not just ESL students but students in Elementary and Middle School. Offers vocabulary, pre-reading and post reading questions, as well as the full article.
Interactive site has students direct hiker to points on a coordinate grid using cardinal directions. Directions are audio and immediate feedback is given. Great for center activity.
Interactive site has students direct hiker to points on a coordinate grid using cardinal directions. Directions are audio and immediate feedback is given. Great for center activity.
Click on the scalpel and follow the directions to virtually dissect a human eye. After each step, students will need to place the part of the eye removed in the correct grid spot. This hurts me to do even virtually...but it is pretty neat!