A couple other highlights from last Monday were Chris and Stephanie's presentation and Dr. Smidt's teachable moments discussion. The presentation went well and it allowed everyone in the class to focus on at least one component of a lesson plan. I'm not sure if we came up with a coherent and teachable lesson, but each area of the lesson plan that was written on the chalkboard was fairly well done. I just want to mention the teachable moments discussion because it focuses on a teacher's ability to work on their feet and react to unforeseen situations. I think that this is a very valuable ability that a teacher should acquire with experience because it allows a failed lesson plan to succeed sometimes and it can also make the class much more enjoyable for the students as well as the teacher. I've seen how experienced teachers have utilized this concept in the past and it allows the class time to pass by evenly and naturally instead of in a choppy pre-conceived order (although if it is used incorrectly it can cause the class to get off track).
Monday, October 27, 2008
"Sounds like someone's got a case of the Mondays"
Probably the most helpful thing that we did in class last week was the peer review. It mainly got a couple groups in the class to look at each others work and critique it, but it also provided some valuable feedback for each group. I think that being able to see a couple different approaches to the same project was also helpful because it gave my group some fresh ideas on where to take our project next. The only thing that I was left wondering after this portion of the class was: why didn't we devote a little more time to this activity since it was so helpful? I ask this question just because my group was not able to go into the details of the project which we were reviewing. We only got a chance to skim it over a couple times and we felt rushed with the written response. I would say that the most valuable feedback was the verbal response because it gave everyone enough time to point out most of what was discussed as we were reviewing the other group's project.
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3 comments:
Thanks for letting me know about the peer review time constraint. I will take this into consideration for the next genre peer review.
Good reflection on teachable moments vs. staying on track. That's why a lesson plan is SO important.
I agree on your idea about a teachable moment. While I was in high school and even in university, a teacher would sometimes be a "life mentor". I believe that a teacher has the responsibility not only to teach a certain subject, but also to teach about life. Have a heart to heart discussion with your students creates a connection that will never be forgotten. All of us have one or even several favorite teachers. We like those people because they could connect to us, and they were like a second parents for us. This characteristic can not be learned or developed. It is innate.
I agree. We needed more time because our group worked very well together. You and Mai gave me some very good advice. I hope we helped you too. (Pumpkin Patch Wars anyone?)
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