The main purpose behind these first two chapters is that leanring is a process and that we need to prepare our students by teaching them how to learn (Wiske, Franz and Breit, 2005). It is one thing just to know a fact and recite it for a random assessment. However, it is much more important that our students learn for understanding which means that they participate in a more formative assessment of thier abilities (Wiske, et al., 2006).
The authors discuss the use of generative topics to get students to delve deeper into the curriculum through open ended questions which can be used in any subject (Wiske, et al., 2006). As a civics teacher, I use this technique in the form of case studies and other methods just to get the students to think beyond the SOL. I agree with the authors that there needs to be goal setting and collaboration among students and teachers throughout the learning process.
Also, technology can play an integral role in the learning process (Wiske, et al., 2006). One way that my students utilize technology to fit the understanding by design model is through the use of a Wiki. This is basically a community blog that they set up and the civics teachers post open ended type questions. Usually they tend to revolve around what is happening in the news or just political opinions over big issues. So far it has been very successful for those that volunteered to participate. I highly recommmend it for your upper lever studetns as an alternative assignment to some of the more boring memorization for the SOL.
References
Wiske, M.S., Franz, K.R., & Breit, L. (2005) Teaching for understanding with technology. San
Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
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4 comments:
Two focus points are generative topics and aiding in creating meaning by using real-world topics.
I like the summary written by Vito Perrone, "How to Engage Students
in Learning" It solidifies what you caught from our readings.
It is exciting that you use a wiki with your students. How is this set up?
The other civics teachers and I set up group accounts for students as an enrichment project. Mainly, we meet with them a few times after school to train them and then just sit back and monitor the postings. We try to give a lot of open ended questions and try to seek personal insight much like this assignment.
Hi Kevin. I have heard about using wikis before but have no experience incorporating them in the classroom. Where do you go on the web to set one up and how does the procedure work (you mentioned volunteers - is it extra credit work or maybe a participation grade?) If you have chance, walk me through the process. This is something I'd like to explore myself.
Also, I like your comment that kids need to think "beyond the SOL". Obviously we can't ignore the SOL, but there are creative, interesting ways to teach the concepts that the SOL cover and in the process touch on other areas that stimulate independent, critical thinking.
I like the idea of creativity in the classroom. Many times this is not evident.
One free wikispace for teachers is
http://www.wikispaces.com/site/for/teachers100K
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