JIGSAW Method

In the last two classes we have been learning about the JIGSAW method.  The JIGSAW method is when the class is divided into groups and given a topic to research and become familiar with.  Within these groups, each member is given a subtopic of the main topic.  When each member is assigned their topic they are going to become expert in that distinct field so that they can explain it to their other group members and vice versa.  Our professor had us use this method.  At first I was confused by how it works.  However, once I understood why there were so many groups and subgroups it made sense.  When I joined my original group and we all shared our power points I enjoyed this method.  I feel that it is a resourceful method when working on broad topics or big projects.  I would like to use this again and certainly use it in my classroom.  It is also a wonderful way to cover more material in a shorter amount of time.  The JIGSAW method ensures that each person will contribute to the group as well, because they have a specific job and cannot lean on others to do it for them.
                            

Explanation or Demonstration???

In class today my professor asked me what the difference between demonstration and explanation.  I knew that I was supposed to have an answer for why they were different, however I realized I did not know.  I always used them interchangeably.  With that being said I learned the difference! Explanation is when you are giving examples and scenarios to teach your students something.  While demonstration is a more physical way of showing your students how something works.  After hearing this I realized that they are very different after all!

Cooperative Learning

I started adding to my knowledge of what cooperative learning is and how to implement i in the classroom.  As I read and watched videos about it, I came to the conclusion that it is something I want to learn more about and become better at.  Here are some of the resources I have been using to learn about cooperative learning: site 1 site 2 site 3 and site 4   My professor shared these with me and they were very helpful.  I agree that this type of learning would be very beneficial for student. Cooperative leaning has many benefits for students.  One of them being that it teaches them to work with their peers in a work environment.  This is one that I feel is very important, because it is a skill that they are going to need more and more as they get older.  As I learn more about cooperative learning I plan to share more information!

"The Vision Of Students Today"

This is the video "The Vision Of Students Today."   It brings attention to the issues in the educational system.  One of the topics that they brought up that stood out to me was large class sizes.  In the video a girl holds up a sign that says her average class size is 115 people.  Other students went on to say that only 18% of their teachers know their name.  In my opinion that is not appealing to me.  How is a child supposed to learn and succeed when they are just a face in the crowd to their teachers.  One of the reasons I love my school is because all of my teachers know my name and my strengths and weaknesses.  However, when the video brought up the idea that technology could be the answer to this problem I was skeptical, and still am.  Even though technology is very resourceful, i do not think I would benefit as much if all of my classes were based online.  I feel disorganized without being able to see all of my resources in front of me at once.

Class Notes on Assessment 9/10/15

What can be assessed?
- Readiness (Skill, concepts, content knowledge)
- Interest (Interest surveys, Interest Centers, Self- Selection)
- Learning Profile (Areas of strength & weakness, Work preferences, & Self- Awareness)
- Assessment is the process of gathering information about a student's knowledge and progress throughout a unit.
- There are three types of assessment:
       - Diagnostic: a way for teachers to find out what prior knowledge a student has on a topic. This could include a pre-quiz or KWL charts, concept maps, graphic organizers, worksheets, etc
      - Formative: giving feedback to help students improve & guide further learning. This is continuous throughout the lesson.  This could be in the form of observations, journals, check for understanding questions.
      - Summative: a way to “summarize” how strong the students understanding is at the end of a topic/unit.   This can be done in the form of projects, portfolios, presentations, essays, etc. 
- Assessment should have three components, which are Measurement, Evaluations, & Feedback.

Creating Assessment

Today I made my second online test!  The first was my Kahoot & now I made one using Google Forms. I had no idea how many online options their were to make assessments.  Here is the link to my google forms test about testing!

Digital Me Project

In class last week each of us got our own website to explore and present to the class.  Our assignment was to become familiar with the site we chose and use it to tell the class more about ourselves.  At first I was nervous because I am not technologically savvy, but to my own surprise it was not very hard! I actually enjoyed making mine.  I chose the website Kahoot . On this site you can make graphs, tests, and surveys.  I chose to make a test and quiz my peers about how much they know about me.  To my surprise creating the test was extremely user friendly.  I was easily able to add pictures and change the time limit.  I liked this site because it allows testing and quizzes to be interactive and the students can see their results immediately.  The questions are brought up on the main board in the front of the classroom and each student uses the website to give their own answer.  If you are interested in seeing what a Kahoot quiz looks like here is mine!

Intro To Assessment

As I am strengthening my understanding of what assessment  is and different strategies to help implement it into my lessons I have already learned a lot. I was reading different articles that talk about assessment and came across one "What Is Understanding? A Deeper Look" . It made me realize that just because someone can memorize information, does not mean they actually understand the concepts behind it.  In order to ensure someone understands what you are teaching them, you can not rely solely on them reiterating it back to you.  The article had a nice definition about what assessment really is and what we need to look for in our students, "a flexible performance capability."  I like this definition, because it reminds me to not just teach ideas, but also help my students gain a deeper understanding of those ideas.

Here are some quotes that I came across & wanted to share!

Hello All,
I am starting this blog as I enter my third year at Mount Saint Mary College.  I am studying to become an elementary school teacher with special ed certification.  My posts will be a mixture of things.  Some of it will be about my experience in my social studies methods course.  While the rest will be posts about pictures, videos, and articles I come across and want to share with everyone.  I hope you enjoy! :)