I believe that active learning can be an intricate tool in teaching the sciences. If active learning is used in a manner that is appropriate for the material being used then it will help create, for some students, an ease in learning because that unit was made more applicable to them.
When reading through the articles I found some different techniques that I think should be implemented together. I would use the five phased learning-cycle approach (Allen and Tanner)to help my students explore a very broad topic in science course. Then I would introduce Smith's problem-based learning and have them develop, in groups, a short presentation on more in depth topics for that particular unit. They would get the topic and various resources from me. Their presentations is what the exams and quizzes would be based on.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Assessment (student perspective)
The two types of assessment help students differently. First, there is the progressive approach of formative assessment. This aids the students by keeping them up on the current material and giving the student time to realize whether or not they understand the material before summative assessment occurs. The second form of assessment (summative) creates a situation in which the student must put all of the concepts together on an exam or quiz.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Formative Assessment
First, I have to say that I never realized how much time and thought goes into planning a unit to teach. What really helped our group in the planning process was the fact we were being asked to make a unit for was what we were trying to understand. That being said, we decided to use many of the same tools/activities. Also, this helped in approaching the activity from both a student and teacher point of view. I guess you could say that this was our backward design. This activity changed my thinking of formative assessment by continually having to remind myself that if it is truly formative assessment that it will be based on the 'now' and may be able to gauge your students and help you as a teacher adjust your teaching style to accommodate your students before summative assessment occurs.
This brings me to how I might describe what formative assessment is to a colleague. Formative assessment is not a test or quiz that is on previously learned material . It involves activities and discussion that engage and prepare students for summative assessment. The most salient feature of formative assessment would have to be that it allows for an accumulation of learning/transfer. What I mean by this is that activities and discussion often make students put what they already know into practice while incorporating new material.
This brings me to how I might describe what formative assessment is to a colleague. Formative assessment is not a test or quiz that is on previously learned material . It involves activities and discussion that engage and prepare students for summative assessment. The most salient feature of formative assessment would have to be that it allows for an accumulation of learning/transfer. What I mean by this is that activities and discussion often make students put what they already know into practice while incorporating new material.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Interview Reflection
This interview definitely went different than expected. Overall, how I have the questions ordered seems to work. The class background of the student will play a role in how the questions are answered. This is the issue that I had when interviewing. The perspective that the student has will very depending on what types of classes the student has and how they transfer concepts from one class to another. This brought me to a conclusion where I might do a pre-interview or survey to be able to gauge where their understanding might be.
I really liked the idea that we brought up in class where if you have a student that just doesn't know that you should setup a "little packet of information" to get them to the next question. Also, drawing and setting up scenarios seems to be the best bet to have the student show you how well they understand a concept.
I really liked the idea that we brought up in class where if you have a student that just doesn't know that you should setup a "little packet of information" to get them to the next question. Also, drawing and setting up scenarios seems to be the best bet to have the student show you how well they understand a concept.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Interview Questions (round 1)
What is a reflex?
What all is involved in a reflex? How do these components work together?
What is a reflex arc?
Can you give me a couple examples of a reflex?
Using the parts that are involved in a reflex, can you
explain the mechanics of how it works (drawing)?
Are there different types of reflexes? If so, what are
they?
Monday, January 23, 2012
Learning round 2
In our discussion this past week we came up with many 'definitions' of learning. I don't think anyone had any wrong ideas or anything,but I still think we have yet to hit the bullseye. All in all, I am still thinking that learning is an individual process that requires understanding and being to put the information into practice. However, the biologist in me won't let me not put that real learning should CHANGE you. You should ADAPT or EVOLVE in the process. Without this it would seem that much learning is temporary.
The second point in learning that we discussed would be how learning and transfer are related. Many see transfer as a 'aha' moment, but which one really comes first learning or transfer?? Like I stated in class its kind of like which came first the chicken or the egg. You can't have one without the other.
The second point in learning that we discussed would be how learning and transfer are related. Many see transfer as a 'aha' moment, but which one really comes first learning or transfer?? Like I stated in class its kind of like which came first the chicken or the egg. You can't have one without the other.
Teaching Reflections
I read Steve, Brea, and Morgan's teaching philosophies.
I personally got alot out of Steve's teaching philosophy. This is because it seemed to be written in a third person point of view. Like he was actually asking himself each one of these questions. I found it to be a refreshing idea. Being able to ask yourself questions like these and also being prepared to answer them on the spot shows preparation and passion for what you are doing. I also like how he used a metaphor for teaching/learning. Being able to visualize this makes the task of teaching a little more focused on that end result.
Both Brea and Morgan focused on having a safe/comfortable learning environment. While Morgan concentrated on being able to adapt herself to her students, Brea zoomed in on making sure that she was making the classroom as comfortable as possible by setting standards for herself and her students.
These reflections have given me some questions to ask myself, such as: Why do I teach? How can I make the process of teaching/learning comfortable for everyone? How can I make myself easily adapt and not fall into a pattern?
I personally got alot out of Steve's teaching philosophy. This is because it seemed to be written in a third person point of view. Like he was actually asking himself each one of these questions. I found it to be a refreshing idea. Being able to ask yourself questions like these and also being prepared to answer them on the spot shows preparation and passion for what you are doing. I also like how he used a metaphor for teaching/learning. Being able to visualize this makes the task of teaching a little more focused on that end result.
Both Brea and Morgan focused on having a safe/comfortable learning environment. While Morgan concentrated on being able to adapt herself to her students, Brea zoomed in on making sure that she was making the classroom as comfortable as possible by setting standards for herself and her students.
These reflections have given me some questions to ask myself, such as: Why do I teach? How can I make the process of teaching/learning comfortable for everyone? How can I make myself easily adapt and not fall into a pattern?
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