Reflection: Week 8

This course has reinforced my personal theory of learning. I still believe that as educators it is our job to tap into the different learning styles of our students and provide a variety of strategies that will allow our students to demonstrate their knowledge. Throughout this course, I have learned some new techniques to accomplish this. I plan to use voice threads as another way for my students to communicate their thoughts and ideas. My students respond regularly to our classroom blog, but this format will provide students with a different option. Another tool that I cannot wait to try in my classroom is the idea of a virtual fieldtrip. This resource will be amazing for my students. Students will be able to visit locations using their computers that they would otherwise not be able to access. One long-term goal that I have for technology integration in my classroom includes finding new ways for students to communicate with other students in other districts or around the world. I have heard of Skype, but have never used this application. I think this could be a great tool for my middle school students to communicate their thoughts, ideas, and opinions. Another goal that I have is to create more units of study that allow students to choose the application that they feel most comfortable with to share their knowledge of United States History. It takes a little more planning on my part to create rubrics that can be used to fairly assess different programs, but the benefit is worth the effort. Students are more willing to complete assignments when there is choice involved and they feel as if they have some ownership of their learning.

Voice Thread

Check out my voice thread which focuses on parent involvement at the middle school level.


http://voicethread.com/share/518639/

Cooperative Learning

Cooperative learning plays an essential role in the education process. In my opinion, students need to be presented with information in a variety of ways. Students need to learn how to successfully read a non-fiction passage and pick out the main ideas. Students need to be able to listen to a lecture and stay focused. Students also need to be able to watch a short video and see how it connects to what they are studying. Lastly, students need to be taught how to effectively work in a group setting.

From my experience, middle school students are very social. They really love working in cooperative groups. While this can be a good thing, it can also be a struggle. Middle school kids often settle into cliques and are not friendly with all students. This can make it difficult to work cooperatively. Some students at this age are also not motivated by grades and do not work hard to achieve success at this level. It can be very frustrating for an honor roll student to be asked to work with a student who has yet to complete an assignment on time.

To avoid some of these issues, I usually randomly assign my groups. I pull names out of a hat while students are present. My students are not allowed to comment positively or negatively during this process. Also, students are given specific tasks within the group. Students are graded on their piece of the whole. No student is penalized because someone in the group is slacking. Students are provided with detailed instructions, rubrics, links, student examples, etc. This information is also posted on my webpage. I have found that when I am organized, my expectations are clear, and I provide support throughout the collaborative process, my students are able to be successful in a cooperative learning situation.