Project Based Learning Part 1: Experience of a 3rd Grade Teacher
The information that Anthony provided in this video was very informative. I learned that when teachers create a project for students, they must create a project that meets all the criteria. Students need to know the content they need to complete the project. The three goals of creating a project is an authentic audience, student interests, and driven by content. If the teacher allows the students to select their topic, the students will be self motivated. Students will select a topic that they are interested in and they will want top learn more about the topic. The most critical part of project based learning is allowing the students to reflect and revise. Students will reflect on their project and critique each others project. By doing this, the students learn how to do peer reviews as well as learn how to improve their project. After reflecting on their project, the students are able to revise and make corrections.
Project Based Learning Part 2: Experience of a 3rd Grade Teacher
Anthony provided more informative information in this video. He made it clear that teachers need to know that every project does not turn out well. They need to have a plan just in case one aspect of the project does not go well. The most important thing I learned from this video is that teachers should never put a limit on their students. If teachers put limits on their students, they limit their learning. If the teacher gives them free range, then the students will go above and beyond their teachers expectations. Students are excited to share their project because their proud of what they have completed.
iCurio
iCurio allows students to search the web in a safe way for educational material. The web pages are read and reviewed. In addition pictures and videos are reviewed to make sure it is appropriate for the students. The neat thing about iCurio is that it has a directory feature and a read aloud feature.
Discovery Education
Discovery Education is a database of science and social studies. Teachers use this resource to create an interactive lesson. Discovery Education has pictures and video. Students retain more information if they have visual aids such as pictures and videos. It is hard to bring in experts in the classroom, but with discovery Education it is easy. The experts enter the classroom through the web.
The Anthony-Strange List of Tips for Teachers Part 1
The biggest tip that Anthony and Dr. Strange gave was that teachers have to be interested in learning. If a teacher is not interested in learning than they should not go into teaching. Teachers are constantly learning. Teachers engage their students and make them think out of the box. When students think out of the box they can come up with some great questions that the teacher might not have the answer. As a learner, the teacher will want to know the answer. Another tip was when creating a project the teacher needs to start with the end goal in mind. When creating a project know what you want the outcome to be, but do not limit the students. As a teacher you have to be flexible and creative. Projects do not always turn out due to technology malfunctions or other mishaps that can occur. Teachers need to be creative so they keep the students engaged.
Don't Teach Tech - Use It
Technology is everywhere. If someone is not use to using technology then they will have to learn. For children, technology comes naturally. Teachers need to integrate technology within their curriculum. They need to use technology and not teach it. Technology needs to be scaffold within the lesson. It should start out with one basic part and then build on it. For example, students should not go and do a completely animated PowerPoint. They need to first learn how to create a slide and then build on that. By the end of the lesson, the students would have completed an animated PowerPoint.
Additional Thought About Lessons Anthony stated that each lesson is at least four layers thick. The first is the year. Teachers need to make sure that they are going to cover all the standards within the year. The second is unit. Teachers need to know if they have created a project that is scaffolded correctly. Then it is broken down into weeks. Teachers need to know if they created a plan for the week in which they will complete their goal. The last layer is daily. Teachers need to make sure they are delivering the material to the students on a daily basis.
Your post is very interesting. I loved being able to watch the videos of Mr. Capps and getting first hand information on how a teachers life and job really is. You gave great information about project -based learning. I think if you stick to the information you just provided, you will be a wonderful pbl teacher! One thing I did learn from your post, or I just did not hear Mr. Capps say this, is that iCurio has a read aloud feature in which I think is awesome! The read aloud feature allows not only regular student better access but helps the disabled children learn as well.
ReplyDeleteThoughtful. Interesting. Well done.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your post. By reading your point of view, it has helped me understand the message better. I like what you had to say about students being able to reflect and revise, which to me, is also the most critical part of learning. Not every student gets it right the first time but being able to review and correct mistakes helps make the learning process more thorough. Your wallpaper for your page is very cute and appropriate, however, I didn't understand the double underlined words. When I tried to click on them, it took me to a pop-up website. Other than my confusion with that, great job!
ReplyDelete