Class Comments!

I really did not understand the value of comments until Dr. Wang addressed the importance on Blackboard. I did my undergraduate work at the University of Alabama and unfortunately I had little experience with a course such as this one. I also was unable to attend the first class meeting so I believe I had a misconception about COMMENTS; however, it is all CLEAR to me now! I think I understand the purpose and I definitely see how it is helping me and my group! Here are some of my comments. I hope to see them improve as the course progresses!

Lesson Critique:

I am really impressed with this critique. First, allow me to point out the only negative. I am a q & a, chart, bulleted points kind-of-person. I think your response would be easier to read if you put it in this format. HOWEVER, it is just a SUGGESTION. I agree totally with your thought.. while some students are researching via the web, have some of the students research using library resources such as an atlas or a book. I have found students today lack these significant skills. This approach would provide different ways to present ideas. Students will be able to see the same information can come from different sources!

Tina,
This lesson is really neat! Our REACH teacher(gifted program) at our school uses aerial maps in her accelerated classroom. She teaches with Google Earth a lot. These gifted students love it. I know she lets the students search for their homes, places of interest, etc. These students are third-fifth grade. I noticed you said you would use it in your third grade classroom? However, at the top of the plan, it said it could be adapted for K-5. I am a little uncertain how this lesson, using Microsoft word, aerial maps, and e-mail could be adapted for K-1.

Hey Tina! I looked over your Final copy! Awesome! One thought? Were you supposed to have 3 references? I am about to post mine and I only have two as well? So, I just saw in previous posts where it said 3. Let me know what you think!
Thanks,
Ashley

Hey guys! I took each of your suggestions into consideration. I hope this looks good. I had one question? I have only two references? Were we supposed to have 3?

Yes, I used the same format as you and I mentioned to Michelle she might want to use something like ours. It is much easier to organize and read. However it was just a suggestion for her. I disagree with the fact that this teacher was trying to cover too many technology standards. I think it was necessary and happened to be applicable and appropriate for the students to show what they learned by putting the information in a powerpoint; however, I think I might could add in my critique there could have been an alternative way to present their findings, maybe a poster or such! Thank you for the suggestion. I also must note that I did mention in my critique the teacher should have more involvement as a role of a facilitator in a discussion. Thank you for your suggestions! I will make some of these changes in my critique.

Hey guys! I am sorry. I got my days confused, but here is my lesson plan critique! I got this lesson from ALEX. It is a Social Studies lesson. It integrates the internet and powerpoint!

Definition of Learning:

Hey girls! I most certainly agree that learning occurs when one acquires new knowledge? However, you mentioned exploration, here. Students must use this new knowledge to explore new concepts, right? Is that the same as application? Applying this new knowledge to another concept. For instance, in my classroom my students have trouble applying language mechanics in their own writing but have no trouble recognizing it in isolation in the Language textbook. Here, I don't acknowledge this as NEW LEARNING? Would you?

Michelle,
I really agree with you on the fact that we never quit learning! Learning is life-long! I also like what you said "it is up to us to nurture and guide the child to his/her fullest potential." This couldn't be more true! As a teacher it is our job, to lead our students to make wise learning decisions. Finally, I in your key points about learning..... I especially liked your point about mistakes! When I think about my knowledge and where I have learned the most, it is from my mistakes. Children must understand it is okay to make mistakes, but to learn from them!

Since this assignment was posted, I have labored over a strict definition to give learning. However, what I have found is there is not one specific definition for this powerful word.
First, learning is a process. I completely agree it is the process in which one acquires new knowledge through a variety of tasks. Secondly, learning occurs after communication and application of new knowledge. Learning is not merely learning a new task. Students must be required to take the new knowledge and communicate and apply it in a given situation. For instance, in my classroom students struggle applying language mechanics rules in their own writing but can apply them in isolation in the language textbook. Strange, but it’s true. Finally, I believe teachers must be able to facilitate learning in the classroom. Teachers must make it clear to students that learning is an on-going and life-long process. Teachers must also make it understood that teachers are learners too!

Learning Theories:

Hey Ladies! Thanks for meeting yesterday at Panera Bread to discuss our final group projects. We are a great team! Remember to have you draft posted by tonight at some point. Also, begin commenting. I will post the first draft Wednesday night! Good luck!

Ashley (Group Leader, Cognitivist)
Michelle (Behaviorism)
Valerie (Social Constructivism)
Tina (Constructivist)

Michelle, thanks for organizing our meeting.... I must point out that I do not agree with behaviorism in the grand scheme of things however I do see its positives with drill and practice when it comes to learning facts such as multiplication. For me, that is one way students will learn their facts. I get very frustrated when they come to me in fourth grade and do not know their facts and we are not able to move on to division.

Valerie,
I like the way you broke down your theory. The Social Constructivist theory allows the teacher to teach more in line with Best Practices. The students are more active and learning becomes more authentic. I think this model also best represents how we work in society and prepares students for real world situations.

Fabulous job, Tina! This will be easy for me to work with for our final draft. I modeled mine closely to yours to make it easier! Your the best!
Ashley

Absolutely Valerie, I really see my kids get bored when I stand and lecture; however, I can remember in high school the students who "just got it". And I will admit I was jealous of those students, because it took more for me. I had to be actively engaged or I was "just lost". That may have been in part due to my short attention span. All the while, we as teachers must meet the needs of all learners!