In my classroom I am
constantly brainstorming ways to keep my students engaged and to create an
active learning environment. Active learning is defined as “anything that students do in a classroom other than
merely passively listening to an instructor's lecture” (Merlot Pedagogy). When having students identify the
similarities and differences of natural and human-made systems I am encouraging
them to compare, classify and create both analogies and metaphors (Ohio Dept.
of Education). While the students are engaged in the activity of identifying
the similarities and differences, it also holds each student accountable. I can
easily see whether students are correctly classifying the natural and
human-made systems and base any further instruction off of these results
(Liscom, E.). Therefore, my goal is to provide the instruction and
understanding that they need in order to create a tool (graphic organizer),
which they can build upon, for further understanding of systems, models, and
patterns. I feel that when utilizing the strategy of identifying similarities
and differences, I am meeting each of these five
teaching styles which allow for me accommodate to students’ needs and learning
styles (Concordia University). Not only has identifying similarities and differences improved
students’ understanding of content, but it has also proven to increase writing
quality when graphic organizers have been utilized (Ohio Dept. of Education).
The
integration of digital media through the use of videos, presentations and interactive
sites would further student understanding of the concept, as well as, encourage
active participation. Utilizing the SMART
Exchange lesson would give the students a brief idea of the concept being
discussed and then allow students to use prior knowledge to sort the objects.
This would initiate great conversation and student engagement prior to any
instruction. Following with the Discovery
Education video would allow students to see a natural and human-made system
and then be introduced to the nervous system, which is natural and crucial for
our survival. The video compares the nervous system to the system of a
computer, which would provide for a great visual example for the students. I
would also look to compose a Prezi or other video to enhance to use of digital
media within this lesson. Either would provide students with further knowledge
as well as opportunities to engage within the lesson, specially interacting
within our science notebooks. I believe that teachers look to digital media as a means of connecting with students in today's society, which increases its value when used in the classroom. That being said, the modes of using digital media within the classroom are not the sole focus of the lesson, but a tool used to bring visual clarity, practice, and further understanding to the concept.
Resources:
100% Educational Videos, Discovery Education (2012). The Nervous System:Introduction to Body Systems. [Video Clip]. Available from http://www.discoveryeducation.com/
[hllambeth]. (2013, February 3). Nature Made vs. Man Made. SMART Exchange. Retrieved July 27, 2014, from http://exchange.smarttech.com/details.html?id=e209a51e-cb9b-4396-849b-8901657dbe50
Liscom, E. (2013, August 5). Education to the Core: Six Teaching Strategies I Couldn't Live Without. Education to the Core: Six Teaching Strategies I Couldn't Live Without. Retrieved July 27, 2014, from http://www.educationtothecore.com/2013/08/six-teaching-strategies-i-couldnt-live.html
Merlot Pedagogy. (n.d.). Teaching Strategies. Retrieved July 27, 2014, from http://pedagogy.merlot.org/TeachingStrategies.html
Concordia University - Portland Online. (n.d.). Concordia University Portland Online:Most Common Teaching Styles used with Elementary School Students. Retrieved July 27, 2014, from http://education.cu-portland.edu/blog/reference-material/most-common-teaching-styles-used-with-elementary-school-students/
Ohio Department of Education. (n.d.).Teaching Effective Learning Strategies: Similarities and Differences. Retrieved July 27, 2014, from http://ims.ode.state.oh.us/ode/ims/rrt/research/Content/similarities_and_differences_what_we_know.asp
Tyson, K. (2014, January 5). Marzano's 9 Effective Instructional Strategies. . Retrieved July 27, 2014, from http://www.learningunlimitedllc.com/2014/01/infographic-marzanos-9-effective-instructional-strategies/
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