As I have previously stated, I rally enjoyed using my GAME PLAN throughout this course. This is one of the first assignments that I have had during my time at Walden to so greatly affect what I am doing in my classroom. The goals that I chose to focus on were two that I have wanted to improve on for quite some time. The format of the GAME PLAN allowed me to do so without feeling overwhelmed. It was ok to take"baby-steps" and I felt encouraged that I did not have to meet my goal in all one time. The gradual progression of the game plan allowed me to really take it seriously while implementing the changes in my classroom.
As far as using more digital aged assessments and lessons, I feel that I have done so. This course helped me to discover multiple technical resources to assist me with this goal. The folder that I have created with technology resources is continuously growing, When I am at school and hear of something that might help me to better meet my goal I take note of it and determine whether or not it would benefit my students. Simply being aware of new technologies and working with others to find new resources has been a growing experience for me.
I have not seen as much progress with my second goal of growing professionally but this is a goal that will continue long after I have completed this course. I have been asking my principal about different PD opportunities and have even joined our technology committee so that I can stay up to date with the help of my co-workers.
This course has opened my eyes to the multiple and various ways that I can implement technology into my first grade classroom. During week 3, we learned about the Universal Design for Learning and how technology can help to meet the needs of all students. This lesson was the most beneficial to me. I believe that all teachers struggle to differentiate. My classroom is filled with students who have unique needs and very different learning styles. I now feel confident that I can use different technologies throughout my lessons to better differentiate. It excites me because not only does it help me with my planning, but I know that my students will benefit as well. "The universal design for learning (UDL) suggests that teachers can remove barriers to learning by providing flexibility in terms of options for materials, methods, and assessments (Ross & Meyer, 2002). (Cennamo, Ross, pg. 116, 2009). The UDL will have a constant presence in my classroom. I have learned a great deal from studying it and am encouraged to continue to implant it's ideals into my classroom.
I will be making some adjustments to instructional practice due to technology integration. I plan to incorporate both digital storytelling and online collaboration. I have already spoke with a teacher who I know from a different school. She loved the idea of having our students read to one another is our distance learning labs. I think this would inspire my students to get reading! This would also be the case with digital-storytelling. Anytime they can hear themselves read they are given the opportunity to evaluate themselves and feel proud of what they have learned.
Overall, this course has provided me with tools that will benefit the students in my classroom. I feel that I have some realistic, new ways to incorporate technology into my class. I am pleased with the changes that I have already made and an inspired to see what else can be done.
Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
How I will use the GAME PLAN in my classroom...
I have really enjoyed organizing my goals for using technology into a GAME PLAN. It is an efficient, sensible way to be sure that you can stay on track with what you hope to accomplish. It is easy to feel overwhelmed when implementing technology. As I have mentioned before, I often struggle with where to start and how to get going. Having a GAME PLAN helped me tackle these issues. I especially liked the fact that I was forced to record how I would monitor my game plan. It is realistic in the sense that it is hard to stay on track with goals that have been set. The "evaluate" portion reminded me of how important it is to evaluate my own work. As an educator, I spend so much time evaluating others but it is equally as important to evaluate myself, especially when reflecting on whether or not I have met goals.
"As a nation, we want our students to be good thinkers, and we want our schools to teach thinking" (Cennamo, 2009, p.23). I feel that using the Game Plan in our classrooms will help our students to think. They need to learn how to set goals and monitor themselves so that they can reach those goals. We live in times when young people expect things to happen instantly and when they don't, they often don't know how to problem solve. If they knew how to use and implement a GAME PLAN, they would understand the importance of problem solving.
I have some tweaking to do when it comes to using this in my first grade classroom but I know that it can be done. I think the ideas and concepts of the game plan can be present in my room without the students writing out their own. It is never to early for them to learn how to set goals for themselves and evaluate the work that they have done.
Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
"As a nation, we want our students to be good thinkers, and we want our schools to teach thinking" (Cennamo, 2009, p.23). I feel that using the Game Plan in our classrooms will help our students to think. They need to learn how to set goals and monitor themselves so that they can reach those goals. We live in times when young people expect things to happen instantly and when they don't, they often don't know how to problem solve. If they knew how to use and implement a GAME PLAN, they would understand the importance of problem solving.
I have some tweaking to do when it comes to using this in my first grade classroom but I know that it can be done. I think the ideas and concepts of the game plan can be present in my room without the students writing out their own. It is never to early for them to learn how to set goals for themselves and evaluate the work that they have done.
Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: A standards-based approach. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.
Monday, October 18, 2010
GP Continued
My first goal is to design and develop Digital-Age learning experiences and assessments and my second is to grow professionally. After studying this week's resources I definitely considered the idea of social networking in my first grade classroom. Specifically, I thought of how I could use it to add to my first goal of designing digital aged assessments. I love everything I have heard on this topic. The idea of collaborative learning between students in other classrooms and even other countries is fascinating to me. I do feel this type of activity works best with older children. Even second graders can spend more time on the concept than strictly focusing on the "how to" of using technology. I would like to give it a try though. Maybe I can prove myself wrong. Some ideas that I had were to assess I could have my students ask questions to one another on a blog. Their ability to ask a question would be an assessment all in itself. I would also look at whether or not the questions they are asking or answering reflected a knowledge of content. If anything an activity like this would introduce blogging and social networking and I feel that as a first grade teacher my job is to often introduce new things and not master them. The exposure they have with technology when they are young, the more comfortable they will be using it when they are older.
This topic has also made me think of my second goal of growing professionally. I would love to attend a conference or training that focuses on technology with lower elementary teachers. I know that I could learn a lot from other teachers who are in the same position as me. Has anyone had an opportunity like this? If not, has anyone seen any online learning communities that are separated by grade level? I know that in our class I have been able to discuss technology issues with other lower-elementary teachers but and entire PD on this would be helpful. So often my challenge with technology seems to be their age. Not always an issue of "what can they do" but the issue of "what's appropriate for their age-group" and "how will they most benefit from using technology".
This topic has also made me think of my second goal of growing professionally. I would love to attend a conference or training that focuses on technology with lower elementary teachers. I know that I could learn a lot from other teachers who are in the same position as me. Has anyone had an opportunity like this? If not, has anyone seen any online learning communities that are separated by grade level? I know that in our class I have been able to discuss technology issues with other lower-elementary teachers but and entire PD on this would be helpful. So often my challenge with technology seems to be their age. Not always an issue of "what can they do" but the issue of "what's appropriate for their age-group" and "how will they most benefit from using technology".
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Continued...
Just as a reminder, my first goal is to design and develop Digital-Age learning experiences and assessments and my second is to grow professionally. Time is still the biggest issue. I have heard a lot of people say it but it really is true. It takes just about all the time in the day to get things done the "normal" way that you do them. Starting something new is tough. I have been inspired reading classmates' blogs because it is clear that a lot of us have the same issues.
I did ask my principal about any professional development activities that I could take advantage of. He gave me a list of options. Even with money being tight, there is specific funds for professional development. I am glad he asked. I found a three day conference specifically being offered to first grade teachers. The focus is language arts but also touches on implementing technology. It will be really helpful to talk with other teachers who teach first grade because implementing technology with young students is a challenge.
I am continuing to add to my technology file on my computer. After speaking with my technology director he reminded me of a program we have called CCC. You can quiz your students on specific standards. What I did not realize is that you have the ability to set the program at different levels or on different content areas for every student in the class. This will help me to differentiate and develop digital-aged assessment.
When reading chapter 12 in "Technology Integration for Meaningful Classroom Use" I was reminded of all of the ways I can integrate technology into science lessons. "Developing science skill sets with the help of technology motivates students to: 1) pose questions, 2)select methods for answering these questions, and 3) implement approaches for testing the accuracy of these answers" (Cennamo, Ross, 2009, p.268) When thinking of my second goal I usually focus on math and language arts the two subjects that we focus most on in first grade. I am inspired now to see what can be done with science!
I did ask my principal about any professional development activities that I could take advantage of. He gave me a list of options. Even with money being tight, there is specific funds for professional development. I am glad he asked. I found a three day conference specifically being offered to first grade teachers. The focus is language arts but also touches on implementing technology. It will be really helpful to talk with other teachers who teach first grade because implementing technology with young students is a challenge.
I am continuing to add to my technology file on my computer. After speaking with my technology director he reminded me of a program we have called CCC. You can quiz your students on specific standards. What I did not realize is that you have the ability to set the program at different levels or on different content areas for every student in the class. This will help me to differentiate and develop digital-aged assessment.
When reading chapter 12 in "Technology Integration for Meaningful Classroom Use" I was reminded of all of the ways I can integrate technology into science lessons. "Developing science skill sets with the help of technology motivates students to: 1) pose questions, 2)select methods for answering these questions, and 3) implement approaches for testing the accuracy of these answers" (Cennamo, Ross, 2009, p.268) When thinking of my second goal I usually focus on math and language arts the two subjects that we focus most on in first grade. I am inspired now to see what can be done with science!
Saturday, September 25, 2010
My Game-Plan continued...
When considering where to go next with my Game Plan, I feel overwhelmed. There are numerous resources to use and people to speak with to help me to meet my goals. The problem for me is where to start. Whenever I start to work on a large task I freeze and simply think of all there is to do and all I could be doing. Once I finally get going I do really well. I think it is the unknown that worries me and wondering whether or not I will be able to follow through with my plans.
With that said, I have been actively working on my Game-Plan. My first goal is to design and develop Digital-Age learning experiences and assessments. I use technology often in my room but rarely do I design my own. I feel that if I do design and take some more ownership in the technology that I am using, I will have more success when using it with my students. For example, I use Kidspiration with my first graders. In this program they are able to design concept maps, make charts, or simple create pictures. Instead of doing what this program has previously made I have been learning how to create my own templates that specifically correlates with what I am teaching in class. These can be easily saved so that I can use them in the years to come. My goal is to find more programs like Kidspiration that are appropriate for young learners. I know of many computer programs like Spelling City and HSP math that are beneficial for my students but I want to be able to use programs to design my own lessons and assessments. Does anyone know of any sites or good resources where I could begin to look?
My second goal is to engage in professional growth and leadership. As I mentioned before, I am currently doing this through my masters courses but I want to continue to grow in this area. I love learning new things and I know as a teacher I will never stop. I do struggle with independently researching. When I attend professional development meetings I am very interested and want to know more. Unfortunately when I take home the packets of information it usually becomes part of a file that I never look at again. When others teach me or I am involved with something than I am engaged and soaking it all in. I know that in order to be as up to date as I need to be with technology this is not enough. I need to take things into my own hands and be responsible for my professional growth. A baby step I have take is I have made a file on my school computer labeled technology. When a colleague send me an interesting website, or I come across something on my own, I save it hear so that I can go back and utilize it at another time. I also write some notes about the site in a word document so that it is easy for me to remember what it is used for and how it is helpful. Does anyone have any sites that I can add to this list? I am also looking for ideas for keeping track of my own research and evaluating myself when it comes to professional growth and leadership.
With that said, I have been actively working on my Game-Plan. My first goal is to design and develop Digital-Age learning experiences and assessments. I use technology often in my room but rarely do I design my own. I feel that if I do design and take some more ownership in the technology that I am using, I will have more success when using it with my students. For example, I use Kidspiration with my first graders. In this program they are able to design concept maps, make charts, or simple create pictures. Instead of doing what this program has previously made I have been learning how to create my own templates that specifically correlates with what I am teaching in class. These can be easily saved so that I can use them in the years to come. My goal is to find more programs like Kidspiration that are appropriate for young learners. I know of many computer programs like Spelling City and HSP math that are beneficial for my students but I want to be able to use programs to design my own lessons and assessments. Does anyone know of any sites or good resources where I could begin to look?
My second goal is to engage in professional growth and leadership. As I mentioned before, I am currently doing this through my masters courses but I want to continue to grow in this area. I love learning new things and I know as a teacher I will never stop. I do struggle with independently researching. When I attend professional development meetings I am very interested and want to know more. Unfortunately when I take home the packets of information it usually becomes part of a file that I never look at again. When others teach me or I am involved with something than I am engaged and soaking it all in. I know that in order to be as up to date as I need to be with technology this is not enough. I need to take things into my own hands and be responsible for my professional growth. A baby step I have take is I have made a file on my school computer labeled technology. When a colleague send me an interesting website, or I come across something on my own, I save it hear so that I can go back and utilize it at another time. I also write some notes about the site in a word document so that it is easy for me to remember what it is used for and how it is helpful. Does anyone have any sites that I can add to this list? I am also looking for ideas for keeping track of my own research and evaluating myself when it comes to professional growth and leadership.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
My Game Plan
One standard that I do not feel as comfortable with is:
2. Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments
Set Goals:I need to continue to work on the following two indicators, "a. design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity.b.develop technology-enriched learning environments that enable all students to pursue their individual curiosities and become active participants in setting their own educational goals, managing their own learning, and assessing their own progress." (http://www.iste.org/)
Take Action:I need to utilize resources both in literature and online that will help me to meet my goals. I need to try utilize different technologies in my lessons.
Monitor: I need to make observations about my students when they are taking part in these "new lessons" and determine if their success rate is higher when using technology.
Evaluate and Extend: I need to keep notes on ways the lessons can be improved the next time they are taught.
A second standard that I do not feel as comfortable with is:
5. Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership
Set Goals: Although I am utilizing research during my masters program, I do not do this as often as I should when I am not attending school. I need to continue to work on the following indicators: "a. participate in local and global learning communities to explore creative applications of technology to improve student learning. c. evaluate and reflect on current research and professional practice on a regular basis to make effective use of existing and emerging digital tools and resources in support of student learning." (http://www.iste.org/)
Take Action: After completing school, I need to stay active in some of the educational blogs that I have discovered so I can continue to communicate with other educators about issues with technology.
Monitor: I need to keep some sort of record when I can keep track of a least one piece of research or new finding that I have applied in my classroom each month to be sure I do not stop trying to things.
Evaluate and Extend: Keep track of students success by determining what strategies have the largest impact on them.
2. Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments
Set Goals:I need to continue to work on the following two indicators, "a. design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity.b.develop technology-enriched learning environments that enable all students to pursue their individual curiosities and become active participants in setting their own educational goals, managing their own learning, and assessing their own progress." (http://www.iste.org/)
Take Action:I need to utilize resources both in literature and online that will help me to meet my goals. I need to try utilize different technologies in my lessons.
Monitor: I need to make observations about my students when they are taking part in these "new lessons" and determine if their success rate is higher when using technology.
Evaluate and Extend: I need to keep notes on ways the lessons can be improved the next time they are taught.
A second standard that I do not feel as comfortable with is:
5. Engage in Professional Growth and Leadership
Set Goals: Although I am utilizing research during my masters program, I do not do this as often as I should when I am not attending school. I need to continue to work on the following indicators: "a. participate in local and global learning communities to explore creative applications of technology to improve student learning. c. evaluate and reflect on current research and professional practice on a regular basis to make effective use of existing and emerging digital tools and resources in support of student learning." (http://www.iste.org/)
Take Action: After completing school, I need to stay active in some of the educational blogs that I have discovered so I can continue to communicate with other educators about issues with technology.
Monitor: I need to keep some sort of record when I can keep track of a least one piece of research or new finding that I have applied in my classroom each month to be sure I do not stop trying to things.
Evaluate and Extend: Keep track of students success by determining what strategies have the largest impact on them.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Reflective Essay
At the beginning of this course i wrote about my Personal Learning Theory. I stress the importance of my students being engaged in the work we do in the classroom by being personally invested in what we are doing. I put great effort into getting to know my students so I can incorporate their unique personalities and interests into what we do each day. I also stressed. I also have a constructivist perspective when it comes to my teaching. “For constructivist, knowledge is a constructed element resulting from the learning process. Further, knowledge is unique to the individual who constructs it” (Lever-Duffy, McDonald, p.16, 2008). This class has made me understand this to an even greater degree. My students must be involved with what they are learning. The more "hands-on" the more success I will see in my classroom. With the ideas I presented in my paper, I would now ass the importance of the Social Learning Theory. Although there are times me students will create and learn independently, I know that they benefit the most from working with others. Our course resources clearly explained why the social interaction is so crucial to learning. This is especially true when using technology. When my students are using technology, it is many of their first times doing so. They are more confident when they are able to explore these new tools with each other.
My immediate adjustments I 'll make in my classroom will be focusing on more technology than simply computer programs. I realized that most of my students technological experiences were on academic review programs on the computer. Two new tools that I will introduce to my students are Voice Threads and Virtual Field Trips. I plan to have my students record themselves while reading with their fifth grade buddies. Since we will start using Voice Threads later in the year I felt my kids would benefit from working with their older peers. I already have my Virtual Field Trip to the San Diego Zoo planned in my animal unit in May. My class will be going to a local zoo the last week of May so I am excited that they will be able to make comparisons to their Virtual Field Trip which they will have already taken.
I have two long term goals that I will make when using technology in my classroom. The first, I mentioned when discussing my personal learning theory and that is to have my students work together more frequently when using technology. I much to often have my students working independently in front of a computer screen. My second goal, is to use a broader variety of technology and not limit myself to what I am comfortable using. My students deserve to have as many technical experiences as possible. This course has already provided me with many more technology rich activities that I can use in my classroom! Now, I need to continue educating myself about technological opportunities for my students.
My immediate adjustments I 'll make in my classroom will be focusing on more technology than simply computer programs. I realized that most of my students technological experiences were on academic review programs on the computer. Two new tools that I will introduce to my students are Voice Threads and Virtual Field Trips. I plan to have my students record themselves while reading with their fifth grade buddies. Since we will start using Voice Threads later in the year I felt my kids would benefit from working with their older peers. I already have my Virtual Field Trip to the San Diego Zoo planned in my animal unit in May. My class will be going to a local zoo the last week of May so I am excited that they will be able to make comparisons to their Virtual Field Trip which they will have already taken.
I have two long term goals that I will make when using technology in my classroom. The first, I mentioned when discussing my personal learning theory and that is to have my students work together more frequently when using technology. I much to often have my students working independently in front of a computer screen. My second goal, is to use a broader variety of technology and not limit myself to what I am comfortable using. My students deserve to have as many technical experiences as possible. This course has already provided me with many more technology rich activities that I can use in my classroom! Now, I need to continue educating myself about technological opportunities for my students.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Connectivism and Social Learning in Practice
"When students work in cooperative groups, they make sense of, or construct meaning for, new knowledge by interacting with others (Johnson, Johnson, & Stanne, 2000) When students participate in cooperative learning they are both the teacher and students. They would with a partner or a group to try to achieve a common goal. This could be through a simple discussion or over a month long project. Cooperative learning supports the Social Learning Approach in many ways. In my understanding they are almost one in the same. Both concepts focus on learning with and from other and the environment around you.
Whenever I am teaching I try to remind myself of what is most important and that is for my students to be able to apply what they are learning in the real world When children learn to work with each other in order to be successful they are learning one of the most important life skills that there is. In everyday life outside of school we interact with people everywhere. Even more importantly the job force almost demands the ability to work with others and people who cannot, loose out on job prospects. If my students can learn to apply what they are learning while gaining teamwork and social skills, then I feel that I have done my job.
Whenever I am teaching I try to remind myself of what is most important and that is for my students to be able to apply what they are learning in the real world When children learn to work with each other in order to be successful they are learning one of the most important life skills that there is. In everyday life outside of school we interact with people everywhere. Even more importantly the job force almost demands the ability to work with others and people who cannot, loose out on job prospects. If my students can learn to apply what they are learning while gaining teamwork and social skills, then I feel that I have done my job.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Constructivist/Constructionist learning theories: Strategies that work.
When my students create they are engaged. The more I can make a lesson relate to their world the more they are able to apply what they have learned. Our learning resources this week got me thinking about constructivist/constructionist learning theories and why they are significant. The readings and videos helped me to identify what type of project based learning I am already doing and what I can add to my lessons so they can improve.
Dr. Orey stressed that the tool being used in a classroom is not important. What's important is whether or not the students are able to create. I teach first grade and it can be difficult to give this control over to the students and for me to take more of a facilitator role. There were moments in the reading I felt discouraged because I would think this can't work in my classroom. But after reflecting I realized that these theories and strategies are going to look different in every classroom and across every grade level. If they didn't, there would be no way they could be successful. So, with my students I take baby steps. At this point in the year they are creating different projects using computer programs such as Kidspiration and then sharing them with each other. Lessons in class such a money units are almost all hands on. One lesson that was successful was one where I made a classroom store and they had decide when and how to use their money. I will continue to push myself to take the time to create lessons such as these and allow my students to be able to create to enhance their learning experiences.
Dr. Orey stressed that the tool being used in a classroom is not important. What's important is whether or not the students are able to create. I teach first grade and it can be difficult to give this control over to the students and for me to take more of a facilitator role. There were moments in the reading I felt discouraged because I would think this can't work in my classroom. But after reflecting I realized that these theories and strategies are going to look different in every classroom and across every grade level. If they didn't, there would be no way they could be successful. So, with my students I take baby steps. At this point in the year they are creating different projects using computer programs such as Kidspiration and then sharing them with each other. Lessons in class such a money units are almost all hands on. One lesson that was successful was one where I made a classroom store and they had decide when and how to use their money. I will continue to push myself to take the time to create lessons such as these and allow my students to be able to create to enhance their learning experiences.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Virtual Field Trip to the ZOO!
Link to my concept map:
http://mywebspiration.com/view/311044a281a5
Link to the virtual field trip to the San Diego Zoo:
http://www.sandiegozoo.org/pandacam/index.html
http://mywebspiration.com/view/311044a281a5
Link to the virtual field trip to the San Diego Zoo:
http://www.sandiegozoo.org/pandacam/index.html
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Cognitive Learning
Both our text and Dr. Orey's video clip discussed the importance of using various graphic organizers. Dr. Orey also spoke about visuals and how they help a student to remember new information, especially when those visuals can help make some sort of personal connection with the learner. I think that students can use graphic organizers, such as concept webs to help them organize their new information. Kids hear so much through out one school day. They need to be able to take what they have learned and apply it in something like a graphic organizer. " Teachers can also use expository, narrative, and graphic organizers alone or combine them to form compelling introductory materials that will hep students focus on the essential concepts and themes that will prepare them to learn" (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, and Malenoski, 2007, p. 74).
Dr. Orey and the text suggests that educators be sure that technology supports our teaching rather than technology teaching for us. Using teaching strategies such as creating graphic organizers, is an excellent way to incorporate technology while not letting it be the main focus of the students' learning.
Dr. Orey and the text suggests that educators be sure that technology supports our teaching rather than technology teaching for us. Using teaching strategies such as creating graphic organizers, is an excellent way to incorporate technology while not letting it be the main focus of the students' learning.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Instruction That Works
As Dr. Orey stated, Behaviorist practices are being used in classrooms every day. The ideas of rewards and consequences is the backbone to many teachers' management plans. Although I feel this can be overdone, I also see no way around using these practices. My students always need motivation when learning something new or completing a task. I do everything in my power to have this motivation be within themselves, intrinsically rather than extrinsic bribes. But once again, it just does not always seem possible. When there is one teacher and twenty four students I need quick and efficient management procedures so I can spend as much time on teaching as possible. So, my students work for experiences rather than things. One example is that I pass out "lunch-bunch" tickets when I see a student making a positive choice. The tickets are entered into a drawing. Every Friday I draw three names and those students get to stay in and have a "party" with me during lunch. I love the one-on-one time this gives me with my students. It amazes me when I place a ticket on a students desk for something like having their eyes on me, at half of the class changes their behavior to do the same thing. I love when the students 'positive choices can influence their peers behavior.
Our learning resources from this week spoke a lot on the importance of effort. Although this almost seems like common sense, it really made me stop and evaluate whether or not my students see the connection between their effort and their success while at school. I am not sure that all my students realize that they are in control of their personal effort. Some of my brightest students barely make it by because they dimply don't try. "The instructional strategy of reinforcing effort enhances student' understanding of the relationship between effort and achievement by addressing their attitudes and beliefs about learning" (Schunk, 2003).
Our text offers many suggestions where technology can be used to convince students that effort is connected to achievement. I will be trying these practices in my first grade classroom. Specifically I would like to create an "effort survey" online that my students could complete in our daily computer lab time. I am not sure if my first graders would always be honest but if anything this activity would get them thinking about the importance of effort at a young age and start to get them prepared for the years to come.
Resources:
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore: Author
Our learning resources from this week spoke a lot on the importance of effort. Although this almost seems like common sense, it really made me stop and evaluate whether or not my students see the connection between their effort and their success while at school. I am not sure that all my students realize that they are in control of their personal effort. Some of my brightest students barely make it by because they dimply don't try. "The instructional strategy of reinforcing effort enhances student' understanding of the relationship between effort and achievement by addressing their attitudes and beliefs about learning" (Schunk, 2003).
Our text offers many suggestions where technology can be used to convince students that effort is connected to achievement. I will be trying these practices in my first grade classroom. Specifically I would like to create an "effort survey" online that my students could complete in our daily computer lab time. I am not sure if my first graders would always be honest but if anything this activity would get them thinking about the importance of effort at a young age and start to get them prepared for the years to come.
Resources:
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore: Author
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