Reflection # 6

After reading the article on Telecollaborative projects I have a better understanding of what it is and how teachers can use this method in there daily lesson. Telecollaborative projects are activities in which students can collaborate by using the internet. These telecollaborative projects can be used in any subject or grade level. They are very effective to students when it comes to exposing them to the internet world. Usually telecollaborative projects involve students to connect with other students in different locations around the world such as South America, India, Europe, and so on. This way student’s are able to use tools and resources off the internet to work together. For instance, when teachers want students to collect information in a dissimilar location, by communicating via internet with real live audience, students will use an imagery gadget such as a web camera and also operate text through emailing. The benefits of using this strategy are that students will be able to be introduced to different opinions, beliefs and perspectives. They will also be able to expand their global awareness. For example, in the article it explains how a teacher used this type of telecollaborative project with her students. The Canadian students were assigned a project which entailed them to connect with students from Israel, were they would exchange emails to each other back and fourth with information on activities that 13 and 14 year olds do there such as sports, music, and fashion. However, to there surprise the students over there were all they spoke about was the terrorist attacks happening there. The student in Canada were shock to here this was happening there yet; they gain knowledge and were able to learn something they had no clue was happening. The students know understood how safe their country was and were aware of the happening in Israel. Overall, telecollaborative projects are one of the many strategies teachers can utilize in their classroom to provide students with internet knowledge and exposure. I personally like these telecollaborative projects, this way students are open to learn a number of things like other cultures, customs, and occurrences that happen around the world.

Reflection #5

When it comes to cooperative and collaborative learning is a method in which involves students to intact with each other. For example having students work together in groups on a project or helping one another with class work or homework. So far I have learned that there are a number of methods and techniques used to teach a classroom. Collaborative learning is a technique teachers used so that students team up together to search for questions or creates significant assignments. In Collaborative learning students work in a group discussing a shared task. They usually work in small groups and are reasonable for their own individual work as well as their group work, which will be reviewed. However, in collaborative learning students don’t really interact on one to one bases, they work together with students from other schools or with students on the internet in which they share a project together. On the other hand, Cooperative learning is more of a face to face method were the groups work and learn as a team. In the cooperative there are three important things that need to be included. First the students require feeling secure but at the same time feeling like it’s a challenge. Second, the students should be divided into small groups, this way each student is able to contribute to the project. Last, the assignment given to the groups should be without a doubt understood and defined.
In addition, both cooperative and collaborative learning provide a number of benefits not only for the students but for the teacher. These learning techniques allow students to participate frequently. It also gives the opportunity for teachers to learn something new from the students. It can also offer students to interact with each other and share there own experiences and knowledge. In all the benefits of collaborative and cooperative learning is that it can be utilized in every subject matter. It is essential that teachers are able to use these types of technique in their classroom so that students are allowed to network together to cater to diverse learning habits. Overall, I believe that both of these methods are very useful fro teachers. I personally like the fact that the students are graded each for their own work even though they have worked in collaboration with each other. Finally, I as a teacher will certainly be implementing these methods of learning to my classroom.

Reflection # 4 EME2040

When it comes to Inquiry based learning I believe it is a process that is essential for a well taught lesson. Inquiry based learning main focus is to engage students so that they get an understanding of the lesson. In the readings they define inquiry as searching for facts, knowledge or information by asking questions. This type of learning entails students to have a quest for answer to questions as well as interaction with the classroom expanding the students mind. Once the students start inquiring they are already in tone with the topic or subject, making them curious as to what they are learning .When interaction is being made in the classroom along the students this opens there minds as to what other classmate point of view is so they can compare. As a teacher when taking this type of learning approach you first start by making a situation for students so that calls for answers to questions they might have. This causes a chain reaction which involves students to work together in search of the answers. This is a good method so that students are Igor to solve the situation, making them more ready for future scenarios. In all the teacher opens the doors by exposing them to a challenge in seek of answers to the situation. In addition, Inquiry based learning is a method of learning in which allows students to develop questions. For example, students might ask questions like show me or tell me so that they can remember and relate to the situation this have been given. This inquiry entails participation which leads to understanding. In result, of the students participating they develop possessing skills allowing them to search for resolutions to questions they might have while obtaining new knowledge. Questions leads to the urge of wanting to learn what is being taught in the classroom. This benefits of this form of inquiry based learning is that students will be able to observe, analyze and collect data to construct a conclusion by using there problem solving skills. This allows the teacher to see how well the students are learning about the topic as a classroom as well as an individual student. There are many types of learning methods but over all this form of learning offers developmental habits of the mind that can last forever in a child; guiding them through the learning experience and using creative thinking. I personality like this method of learning and it is one that I would definitely incorporate in my classroom in the near future as an educator.

Reflection # 3

A constructive lesson plan to my understanding is a method in which teachers can utilize to incorporate to have more interaction with the classroom. The method allows students to work together in groups with each other as well as with the teacher. The curriculum is based on a more hands on learning environment. When using the constructive lesson plan you are able to test your students to find out what they already know so that you can make a connection to the lesson you are trying to convey. This way teachers are aware of were their students stand in the classroom. It is important for a teacher to know the level of knowledge the students acquires. Therefore by applying this method of lesson planning you can achieve a better learning environment. However keep in mind that the lesson should be expressed in a reasonable stand point mainly if you are teaching at a lower grade level like kindergarten.
In addition the constructive lesson plan follows 6 elements, in which are designed to motivate teacher planning and reflect on the process of student learning. The first element is a Situation, where the teacher assembles a circumstance for students to clarify. The second element is Grouping, where the teacher find a way to arrange the students in a group and identify the materials that will be in use. The third element is the Bridge, which teacher use to construct a connection between what the students know and what they will gain knowledge of from the lesson. The fourth element is Questions, where teacher put together guiding questions to get across the situation and keep the classroom active. The fifth element is Exhibits, where the students have to display to other students their understanding of the situation. The last element is Reflections, where the students have to reflect on what they have gained from the exhibits of other students. All of these elements are essential to conduct a constructivist lesson plan and should be applied in order to test the students in everyway you possibility can. I believe that this lesson plan is a great way of getting the class more motivated to learn. Overall it’s all about learning and planting a seed of knowledge in every student. I personality like this method of lesson planning and will be use it in my teaching career.

EME 2040 Reflection #2

When it comes down to Behaviorist and Constructive lesson planning they both aim for the same goal in teaching a lesson; which is providing an organized work ethic for there students. Although Behaviorist and Constructive lesson planning might seem similar they have there differences in the format they use to present the lesson. They have a diverse approach on how to give out the class. Behaviorist lesson planning is based on an 8 element design created by Madeline Hunter. Mrs. Hunter states that for teachers to offer an effective lesson they should incorporate the 8 element design. The purpose of this lesson plan design is to increase the utmost learning quality of the students, despite the grade level or ethnicity the student may be. The format contains the following elements, objective /purpose, anticipatory set, input, modeling, guided practice, checking for understanding, independent practice and a closure. Behaviorist lesson plans carries out an objective and purpose so that the students fulfill the activity. When using this cycle of various elements you will be able to see if the students has developed in the learning.
As for a Constructive lesson plan the format is quite different. A constructive plan follows a six element design. The format is designed to incite educators so that they can reflect on the progression of student education. It’s based on a teacher to student communication as well as student to student. The structure of a constructive lesson plan consist of the following element :situations, grouping, bridge, questions, exhibits and reflections. Grouping helps students interact with each other. This way the students are able to learn different strategies and styles another student may use. A Constructive lesson has more availability for an open classroom relation being more flexible for students to progress in the learning environment. However, it all depends on the grade level and the way you consider the class will learn best. Overall, students will learn with either of the two lesson plans. If the proper elements are followed correctly students should gain knowledge of the lesson despite the format you use. I personally like both because they apply different strategies for students to learn. Let’s see which format of lesson plan I incorporate in my teaching career, hopefully I use both so that I can see the various results they offer.

EME 2040 - Reflection #1

After reading the various definitions on a lesson plan, I have come to understand that a lesson plan is an outline of a lesson in which the teacher is planning on teaching the classroom. In this lesson plan the teacher writes in detail what the lesson entails. The lesson plan serves as a guideline to the educator so that they have an idea what to do on weekly or daily bases. The lesson plan usually explains in a step to step form the procedures of the lesson, the materials required to conduct the lesson and indicates the objectives the students will obtain once the lesson has been completed. When making a lesson plan you should always keep in mind that the time you have in teaching the lesson is vital. You ought to make sure that the material is appropriate for the objective and age group. Make sure the activity engages the student. It’s important that the activity is presented in such a way that the child clearly understands the procedures. The way a teacher can do this is by incorporating various materials, be creative and think outside the box. Always remember that not all students learn in the same way or pace, keep in mind the different learning styles when planning your lesson. Also lesson planning acquires time and dedication. Therefore, teachers need to manage there time wisely when planning there lesson whether it’s daily or weekly.
I also read about the different forms of lesson planning. There are Behaviorist lesson planning, Constructivist lesson planning and Transpersonal. A Behaviorist lesson plan is designed to acquire the student’s attention from the second they start the class. It is followed by 8 steps that keep the students focused on the material the teacher is deliberating. A constructivist lesson plan in based on an open classroom, students being able to work together with each other. Is also is followed by a set of six elements, allowing a teacher student interaction. As for the transpersonal planning deals with the teacher itself, basically the knowledge and comprehension we have towards our students. Overall, I believe lesson plans are important for an educator; it is a guideline that helps you conduct the daily activities. I also think that a lesson plan is a good source so that you do not get back tracked in your day to day job duties.

A Welcome Note

Hello My name is Stephanie Venegas. Happy New Year! I'm excited to be back in your class again for the second time. It's pretty cold outside but I'm all wrap up! Can't wait to learn more about how to incorporate computers in my furture teaching career. Hoping for a great semester.