Working on a project using a GAME plan has helped me make the project more understanding for the students and at the same time keeps them engaged in what they are doing. Having them create short lessons on the Chapters they are assigned to present to the class as a review of the quarter's material has opened their eyes to what happens on the other side. They are realizing a little what it is like to be the teacher and not the student.
*How effective were your actions in helping you meet your goals?
By using the GAME plan and creating the lesson, it has helped me focus more on how it needs to be created with the students interest in mind. It has helped me narrow it down to the important information they need to present so that they are not picking information that will not be needed.
*What have you learned so far that you can apply in your instructional practice?
I have learned that there is more than one way to do things. I am use to being the lecturer. I want to give my students the opportunity to take charge and I can just be a facilitator.
*What do you still have to learn? What new questions have arisen?
What I still have to learn is to let the students think for themselves. I have found that the more information I give them, the more dependent they are on me. If I allow them to research information on their own, they become more dependent on their own research and learning skills. The question that has arisen is, How do I let go of the "control" and allow them to be independent in some of the work. It is hard to do seeing I have always taught in the way where I give the information and they just store it in their memory. I want them to take control of their learning a little more and at the same time, I am learning how to let them do that.
*How will you adjust your plan to fit your current needs?
I will a little at a time find information that the students are able to find on their own and understand with little or no help from me. This would be a good start for them to use that higher-level learning.
I believe if I make some of these changes in my lessons, the students will become more engaged in the learning process and not sit there board listening to me talk all the time.
Hi Kathy,
ReplyDeleteIt can be challenging to let go and move control to the students. I often worry when I do this that students may miss important topics. However,
as you share, students need to learn to be self-directed--to take initiative and move ahead without constant guidance.
If we can develop the confidence and problem solving skills to enable them to do this, we're going to be preparing them for the 21st century work place.
Susan
I just did a chapter this way. It did not go as well as I would have liked it to, but when I went back and analyzed the lesson using the GAME plan I realized areas where I was lacking. My students are in high school and I think yours are in middle school but as many of my students are freshman I feel they are similar.
ReplyDeleteI too, know that I give too much information and that I spoon feed them. This does nothing to help the students. I have tried to force myself to answer student questions with a question that will lead them in the right direction. This is frustrating for them because they are used to me giving them the answer but, I think in the end the students will get used to me answering with a leading question and they will appreciate that they are able to learn more and remember more.
I guess I am in the same boat as you. After I think about it, I need to let them think for themselves too. I guess when I see them struggle a little bit I want to jump in with ideas. I need to let them struggle a little and let them decide on how they want to do things. I want them to be able to do the research and blogging and not need to depend on my to push them in the direction they need.
ReplyDeleteI completely understand your sentiments about letting the students become more independent. Some of my students are very reluctant to do this and in fact will waste a lot of class time pleading with me to basically do the work for them. I also have middle school students and when the students struggle to get through inquiry on their own, I will sometimes panic that they are not going to learn anything. Then I just want to stand up in front of the room and tell them all that they need to know. However, at the end of a project a lot of times you will be pleasantly surprised to see what they have discovered. Then you can just fill in the blanks.
ReplyDeleteAs I read your post, I realized I also have difficulty letting my students grab the reins so to speak. Then, as I read the comments I felt better because I realized there are many other educators who are experiencing the same thing. Previously, I taught middle school and now I am currently teaching 5th grade. I thought that because my students are so young they needed me even more. However, I believe that is not the case. I find my students lack creativity sometimes and now I feel that it is partially our fault (mine and their previous teachers). We have guided them so much that we have forgotten to let them think for themselves.
ReplyDeleteYour project reminds me a lot of literature circles. Each student has a job to do and the rest of the circle or class, as the case may be, is relying on them to share their insight and knowledge. I hope the students take it seriously and truly learn from this experience. I think it is a wonderful idea. It incorporates so many skills, not just content knowledge.
Great observation of student mind with creativity of assignments. Your project seems like it may be quite interestin.
ReplyDelete