Thursday, October 3, 2013

Blog Post #7

Part 1 by: Sarah Barnett, Malary Booker and Lauren Bradley



         One of the things that Anthony Capps really put into perspective was exactly what project based learning is all about. In his first video, Capps told us that when carrying out the processes of project based learning, students are creating something as they discover knowledge. The goal is to create a project with the content needed for learning within and throughout the project. Project based learning should relate to the real world and be relevant to students lives.

         A great example of project based learning comes from one of Anthony Capps third grade classe. He and his students were learning about how women were recently just allowed to fight in combat. The students were to write a letter to the Congressmen Joe Bonner about their opinions on this subject; but not before they got involved and formed opinions of their own through a project.

         The students were to conduct research using anything from iCurio to a book. They were to find a female or minority history figure that demonstrated success and that rose above challenges; such as the first female astronaut. They could also interview a family member or friend who served in war. Then they can go and use the information  and decide whether they think it is appropriate. Then reflect on each others letters. While students are performing PBL they are also also meeting many social studies, writing, and reading standards.


         In the second video with Anthony Capps, he discussed with us one of his favorite, most effective PBL activities yet. His class was studying culture, specifically the culture in Afghanistan. His class was to search using iCurio for text, images, movies, activities and create an educational video of their own. Some students focused on food, some fashion, religion, warfare, or a blend of all. Third graders were using iMovie like a pro!!

         The outcome of passion from this project was phenomenal. He discussed with us the reactions of his students, his colleagues, his principal and all his other “bosses”. He says students love project based learning. They are invested and engaged in their projects; and when they are engaged, they are learning. The only times the project receives negative feedback is when there is an fallacy in collaboration. Principals, teachers and parents are enthralled with high approval ratings. With project based learning you are going to get more than you expect. Don't limit your students, create an opportunity for them to go beyond your expectations.


VIDEO 3: iCurio

         In this video Capps discusses with us iCurio and why it is so effective in the classroom. iCurio allows students to safely search the web. iCurio has been curated through professionals and through educators and is intended for educational uses only. Another part of iCurio that is effective for classrooms is it allows students to search not only text, but videos, audio, images, you name it...even the standards at any grade level! With technology, students are becoming more engaged and given more than one aspect of learning. Another thing iCruio contributes to the classroom is practicing organization, not only in the real world but organization through technology or virtual organization.



“Don’t Teach Tech-Use It”: by Anthony Capps and Dr. Strange

We agree with what Anthony Capps says about technology. The world is advancing in technology every day and it must be incorporated into our curriculum when we start teaching. Dr. Strange was correct when he said that it probably takes less time for third graders to learn how to use iMovie then it does for his EDM 310 students. Children are able to learn so much faster at such a young age now. Anthony chooses one technology at a time to use in his class week by week so that the students are not overwhelmed with a lot at one time. We believe that this really is a great teaching strategy. Students will be using technology for the rest of their lives, so it is important for them to learn how to use it and incorporate into their daily lives while they are young.


“Additional Thoughts about Lessons” by: Anthony Capps

Anthony Capps had great information.  He proposes that a lesson plan should be 4 layers.

1. Year Lesson
- covering all content standards
- written curriculum map
2. Unit Size
- devise and come up with plans to teach the lesson where the lesson is understood
- students should be able to master the lesson taught by the end of unit
3. Weekly Lesson
- getting goals done
- have to think about M-F; know the goal will be accomplished
4. Daily Lesson
- how you deliver the lesson to your students
- something to measure the students so you know how well they are doing so you can
  move on to the next day.





         Anthony Capp’s advice should be used when we create our own lesson plans.  He explains what we should know and how we need to deliver our lessons to the students.  We all feel this information is very valuable to our own careers as teachers.





Part 2 by: Lauren Bradley



         It seems education has lost its luster, its impact and its desire to change things. We as individuals and as citizens, often find ourselves presented with challenges everyday; therefore we are constantly evolving and shifting our ideas and our methods for a more effective learning experience. So where exactly does this change begin? Where better to start then your own classroom? What can we do to polish-up and refine our education system? By starting with you. Being a new and hopeful future educator, I need all the help, criticism, and advice I can get. 

             During the video The Anthony - Strange Tips for Teaching Part 1, Dr. Strange and Anthony Capps gave us some quick tips to prepare new educators, like myself, for the teaching field. Capps told me to let my work become a fun experience; check! I also believe this is CRUCIAL to teaching. Passion is essential. Be open to change. I know sometimes it can be hard or frustration, but acceptance is key! Teaching is a constant process but yields many rewards for you and the students. 

            Dr. Strange says to be flexible! Life is one big learning experience! No one expects you to be perfect. Be creative! The great Eisenstein once said, "Creativity is intelligence having fun." When children are expressing themselves, they are learning and growing; it is part of being creative! Einstein also said, "A true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination." With creativity, the possibilities of teaching can be endless. 

          Dr. Strange also told us to reflect; to look back on our work and evaluate. Evaluate what works and what makes less of an impact on the students. When you are reflecting you are learning more about what's effective and therefore, a more personalized learning experience for your students. Respond to your work and adapt, do not teach the same lessons the same way over and over again. All of these play a hand in each other. You create a lesson whether it be a PBL or a group activity, with imagination and creativity in mind, you reflect on it after you carry out the process, and you respond to the information you learned. To sum it all up here, begin with the end in mind!

              

   

2 comments:

  1. This applies to your personal part of this post.
    ",,, it can be hard or frustration, ..." frustrating, not frustration

    Very well done! Now execute it!

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  2. As I read the post, I got the feeling that you are someone who truly understands what it is going to take to be a great teacher. I think you and your group did an excellent job on the collaborative portion of the blog, but your part struck me as very insightful. One of the moments in the blog that made a positive impression on me was the quote, "Don't limit your students, create an opportunity for them to go beyond your expectations." Another moment was when you noted that change MUST start with us. You are absolutely right. If we want to make a difference, we must take action to do so. I was also impressed that third graders are using some of the same technologies that we have just been taught. For them to use iMovie during a project simply amazes me and reminds me that times are changing and I had better change with it.

    There are a few areas that need some attention, but the content of the blog was great.
    "A great example of project based learning comes from one of Anthony Capps third grade classe." The 's' was left off of the end of the word.

    "While students are performing PBL they are also also meeting many social studies, writing, and reading standards." There was a double use of the word also and I am almost positive that a comma should follow the clause "while the students are performing PBL."

    "I know sometimes it can be hard or frustration, but acceptance is key!" You might want to change the frustration to frustrating.

    "When children are expressing themselves, they are learning and growing; it is part of being creative!Einstein..." A space was left out between creative and Einstein.

    I appreciate that I read your blog. It has gotten me excited about what is in store for the future. Great job!

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