From the abstract: "This article presents a reflective case study analysis of an
attempt to enhance student learning through the
introduction of student-centred teaching methods in a
masters-level social research methods subject. The
introduction of a range of specific techniques, including
case study teaching, problem based learning, groupwork,
role-play and simulation, is reflected upon. The article
concludes that the re-orientation of the curriculum toward
student-centredness in this case had a positive effect on
student performance, learning experience and subject
evaluation. In particular, the use of student-centred
techniques facilitated a strong social context for learning,
and provided students with a common experiential
framework from which to explore the technical aspects of
the curriculum. However, the analysis also found that
students continued to place value on more formal
teaching methods, and that the value of student-centred
techniques in this case rested in the way in which they
were integrated with more didactic teaching practice"
From the abstract: "This paper examines the challenge of teaching statisti
cal research methods in three master's degree
programs at a private university based in Washington, DC
"
(Week7: Jim, Sabrina, Jennifer)
This Journal article is accessible through the link given above through the UMUC Library
The focus of this article is small group alternative lessons that will help with differentiated reading instruction. The article itself identifies how students in the elementary grades struggle with Phonemic Awareness. Specifically in kindergarten and First grade and continuously miss the benchmark when being assessed. The article also Identifies what differentiated instruction looks like in this setting as well as many example activities on guided reading and other strategies to help address students who are struggling.
Teachers are able to use this article as a reference for activities that they can incorporate into the classroom during their reading or guided reading block. The 3 members in our team all work in a secondary school and noticed that many of the activities or lessons were really geared toward elementary students. However when reflecting on the struggling students in our own classes on this topic we quickly realized that those students were indeed on an elementary reading level. Therefore we might not use the exact same strategies but rather adapt them as they do in the article to fit the needs of our learners and make them more age appropriate.
Reference:
Kosanovich, M, Ladinsky, K, Nelson, L, Torgesen, J,. (2007) Differentiated Reading Instruction: Small Group Alternative Lesson Structures for All Students. Guidance Document for Florida "Reading First" Schools. Florida Center for Reading Research ERIC Journal. pp. 11, Retrieved from: https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED498777.pdf
Week 8, Kristine G and Danica J.
This PDF offers lots of mini-lessons to help students write better. Considering the time constraints we have had this semester, these mini-lessons are perfect for a quick review or an introduction to a writing topic. These are also great for differentiation to be used as enrichment or remediation.
Resource type: activity
This bookmark is for 3rd graders and up, although I think some of the activities might be a little above grade level. One of the things I had trouble with was a culminating activity for my scavenger hunt. I have found this PDF file that has several of them. I am looking to use the cut and paste activity so the students can have a wrap up activity for the scavenger hunt.
Great resource! I have a twitter account for my classroom, but don't actively engage in it as a PLN. These are great guidelines for using it as part of your PLN!
With all the areas that children are taught in school, the author feels that while trying work at the achievement gap we should look at the engagement gap. The eagerness that children have a young age needs to be maintained. Hands-on learning should be implemented into the lesson.
This article hits the nail on the head! At my school we are redesigning our language program to a more student-centered, hands-on instructional approach. I think it is very important to change up the old ways of teaching and find new ways that really engage students. This year, I took out all the desks in my room. Taking down that physical barrier has helped to improve student engagement. We sit or stand in a circle and students are much more motivated! Including games and activities that connect to students' interest is also important.
This is a great article focusing on engagement in the classroom! It discusses the necessity of hands on learning to maintain students interest. This is important for students of all academic levels. Hands on learning not only engages students because they are "doing", they also are developing critical thinking skills. As a special education teacher, I know that in order to assist my students in learning, I need to keep their attention and provide them with interesting, hands on learning.
I love this article! I have always been a strong believer in hands on learning and I love that they call it an engagement gap! Students get bored when a teacher gets up and lectures them all day. They need to be engaged! The activities need to be purposeful and have a specific meaning but a teacher can make just about any topic engaging just by getting the kids moving and interacting. I 100% agree that students retain information longer when they are engaged and enjoying what they are learning.
The Education Trust looks into school assignments as well as what the state standards for the grade requires. They are finding that often the assignments we are giving do not match the standards and are therefore creating instructional gaps. My favorite quote: " Students can do no better than the assignment they are given... and the instruction they receive."
This research looked at students with and with out learning disabilities, receiving the same education as students with out disabilities. This has a big impact on my full inclusion classroom. Within the conclusion, the authors state that students with learning disabilities should receive more time on the curriculum to increase their achievement and lower the learning gaps between the students.
This artifact is a student handout of Bloom's Taxonomy for Science and Math. This table gives examples of different levels of questioning: Recalling information, understanding meaning, using learning in a new situation, ability to see parts and relationships, parts of information to create new whole, and judgement based on criteria.
This article discusses the need to create a physical education program that is student-centered as well as standards based. The authors briefly discuss the Integrative Model for Learning and Motivation. This model focuses on three psychological that need to be present in the learning environment for students to achieve: autonomy; competence; relatedness. The thoughts expressed in this brief discussion can be used in all classes to help create an optimal learning environment that motivates students to learn.
Intrinsic motivation is clearly an issue with students in our data. The data shows that they often choose not to participate in assessments, which clearly demonstrates that there is no motivation from within to receive good grades. The models discussed in the article can be used in all classrooms, not just P.E.