This module has helped me think about using standards, CFQs, or formative assessment in the following ways...
After working with essential, content, and unit questions in this module, I have really made more of an effort to explain WHY my students are learning something. Creating and communicating a strong essential question for them is more important than I originally thought. I find myself explaining more about why we are learning something than before. "Because we have to" or "because its our grade-level curriculum" just isn't going to cut it. Students need to know why they are learning something and how they will use it in real life. However, sometimes it is hard to make these connections and explain them in a way kids understand. I find myself changing wording and sometimes struggling to come up with a decent essential question. Once I find it though, my lessons are so much more grounded and the kids understanding seems stronger and deeper.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Module 1 Reflection
This module has made me think about my role as an instructional designer in the following ways:
IMPORTANCE
It is extremely important for me to take my role as an instructional designer seriously. Regardless of age, grade level or ability, the curricular opportunities I present to students are essential to the development of their creativity. I do not mean that as, "AHH! So much to do in so little time! Hurry up kids! Did I miss a PO?" More like, "I will be student-centered, engage my children in learning that activates their whole mind, and realize what I am doing will give them significant confidence and essential abilities for their futures."
TAKE A CHANCE
I feel blessed that I have a great interest in technology and feel comfortable learning and experimenting with it. Kids are very intuitive and feed off of my tone and attitude in the classroom. I am not afraid to try something new or have it not work out. In a 2006 TED conference talk, Sir Ken Robinson said, "If you are not prepared to be wrong you will never come up with anything original." He spoke about how children are not afraid to be wrong and definitely not afraid to "have a go of it." Unfortunately, I think our education system is rather focused on the right answer, (hello standardized testing) and children may have this natural confidence suppressed and lost at times. My goal is to not allow that in my classroom. I want to keep these things about children at the forefront of my mind while planning my instruction.
(If you have not seen the rather popular talk from Sir Ken Robinson I mentioned above, you can find it here: http://www.ted.com/talks/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity.html He is profound AND humorous.)
MIX IT UP
There are so many different types of learning, strategies, and technologies out there. Also, there are so many ways a student can express their understanding. I must incorporate them all. Teaching to the whole brain is essential for students to truly develop deep, meaningful understanding. I am excited and anxious to add more technology tools to my "teacher toolbox."
IMPORTANCE
It is extremely important for me to take my role as an instructional designer seriously. Regardless of age, grade level or ability, the curricular opportunities I present to students are essential to the development of their creativity. I do not mean that as, "AHH! So much to do in so little time! Hurry up kids! Did I miss a PO?" More like, "I will be student-centered, engage my children in learning that activates their whole mind, and realize what I am doing will give them significant confidence and essential abilities for their futures."
TAKE A CHANCE
I feel blessed that I have a great interest in technology and feel comfortable learning and experimenting with it. Kids are very intuitive and feed off of my tone and attitude in the classroom. I am not afraid to try something new or have it not work out. In a 2006 TED conference talk, Sir Ken Robinson said, "If you are not prepared to be wrong you will never come up with anything original." He spoke about how children are not afraid to be wrong and definitely not afraid to "have a go of it." Unfortunately, I think our education system is rather focused on the right answer, (hello standardized testing) and children may have this natural confidence suppressed and lost at times. My goal is to not allow that in my classroom. I want to keep these things about children at the forefront of my mind while planning my instruction.
(If you have not seen the rather popular talk from Sir Ken Robinson I mentioned above, you can find it here: http://www.ted.com/talks/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity.html He is profound AND humorous.)
MIX IT UP
There are so many different types of learning, strategies, and technologies out there. Also, there are so many ways a student can express their understanding. I must incorporate them all. Teaching to the whole brain is essential for students to truly develop deep, meaningful understanding. I am excited and anxious to add more technology tools to my "teacher toolbox."
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