How are the examples of Integrated Final Projects and the methods described in the Reiser article related? What would it take to teach this way? Is it worthwhile?
Both the Integrated Final Projects and the TEAMS approach focus on a theme and then branch out to include many different aspects of that theme through different activities. The TEAMS project focuses on four major subjects: math, science, social studies, and language arts. Each subject is touched upon through different activities during nine week unit. The Integrated Final Projects did not always employ the four subject areas. In addition, the activities listed would not take up a nine week unit. However, I really liked many of the ideas.
For me, teaching the way Reiser explains under the TEAMS approach is a bit unrealistic. It would require so much time to organize all of the different activities, set up the space needed, and not to mention, acquiring all of the needed materials (software, computers, Internet, etc.). I just don't think it is realistic to plan my entire curriculum around his idea. However, I do see the benefits of what he is trying to do. The activities are highly engaging. The students would be having fun without even realizing they were learning. I love the idea of having a theme and tying all of the subjects into that idea. However, I think it can be fulfilled in smaller ways. The Integrated Final Projects are much more realistic. I would definitely employ many of those ideas into my teaching.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Thursday, February 15, 2007
Time Person of the Year
I loved the article about Ali Khurshid. I took some time to look over his photos and they are just breathtaking! He made the comment that Pakistan is "always the center of attention for all the wrong reasons." He wanted to change that and give a positive look at a country that is constantly viewed in a negative light. His work has given me a beautiful look at Pakistan.
My Love!
Okay, so I admit it. I love children's cereal. I never quite grew out of it I guess. I think I would eat this everyday if possible. It's simply phenomenal!
Thursday, February 8, 2007
Kauchak
#1 According to Kauchak (1998) what are three functions of teacher questions? What role does technology play with accomplishing these functions?
The first function of questions serves to assess current understanding. By asking questions the teacher is able to better understand what his/her students understand. From here the teacher can help build their knowledge base, correct misconceptions, and determine if they are ready to learn more. The second function is to increase motivation. Questions engage each student and feeds their desire to learn more. Good questions will challenge their thinking or ask them to look at a concept from a different point of view. Lastly, questions guide the student to new learning. As Kauchak states, questions help "students interrelate new ideas and integrate new learning with their current understanding." Questions can serve as the glue which helps students connect what they already know to a new concept.
Technology can greatly assist teachers in using the three functions of questions. Power Point presentations can provide images to look at, or ideas to debate. It will serve to help draw the students into the lesson, as well as giving them more information to consider. Blogging is also another great way to incorporate these concepts. As students we can ask use our blog to respond to questions that we have been asked. It allows us to fully develop our thoughts and verbalize what we have learned.
The first function of questions serves to assess current understanding. By asking questions the teacher is able to better understand what his/her students understand. From here the teacher can help build their knowledge base, correct misconceptions, and determine if they are ready to learn more. The second function is to increase motivation. Questions engage each student and feeds their desire to learn more. Good questions will challenge their thinking or ask them to look at a concept from a different point of view. Lastly, questions guide the student to new learning. As Kauchak states, questions help "students interrelate new ideas and integrate new learning with their current understanding." Questions can serve as the glue which helps students connect what they already know to a new concept.
Technology can greatly assist teachers in using the three functions of questions. Power Point presentations can provide images to look at, or ideas to debate. It will serve to help draw the students into the lesson, as well as giving them more information to consider. Blogging is also another great way to incorporate these concepts. As students we can ask use our blog to respond to questions that we have been asked. It allows us to fully develop our thoughts and verbalize what we have learned.
Thursday, February 1, 2007
Harris
#3 Some critics believe there's no place for Internet projects in today's world of high stakes testing and emphasis on student achievement. What is Harris'(2000) answer to this criticism? What is your answer?
The response Harris supplies through her article is basically in today's world of high stakes testing and emphasis on student achievement there's a greater need for Internet projects. I would agree with Harris. The Internet is one of the greatest tools to teach curriculum. It helps create learning. Students are allowed to become an active part of the learning process. They become engaged and connected to what they are learning.
Harris also addresses an important issue: time. It seems that Internet assignments take a lot of time to prepare and to carry out. However, she made a very wonderful comment in regards to this truth. She said, "use of the Internet isn't really what occupies more time and space in our schedules; teaching well does." In order to truly be a great teacher, we must have lessons that help our students connect with what they are learning. Great teachers learn how to combine curricular goals into a single project. Thus, they are able to use great teaching methods and achieve the goals of the curriculum.
The response Harris supplies through her article is basically in today's world of high stakes testing and emphasis on student achievement there's a greater need for Internet projects. I would agree with Harris. The Internet is one of the greatest tools to teach curriculum. It helps create learning. Students are allowed to become an active part of the learning process. They become engaged and connected to what they are learning.
Harris also addresses an important issue: time. It seems that Internet assignments take a lot of time to prepare and to carry out. However, she made a very wonderful comment in regards to this truth. She said, "use of the Internet isn't really what occupies more time and space in our schedules; teaching well does." In order to truly be a great teacher, we must have lessons that help our students connect with what they are learning. Great teachers learn how to combine curricular goals into a single project. Thus, they are able to use great teaching methods and achieve the goals of the curriculum.
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