2.2 Research-Based Learner-Centered Strategies
Candidates model and facilitate the design and implementation of technology-enhanced learning experiences aligned with student content standards and student technology standards.
Artifact:
Reflection:
The Lesson Plan for Implementing NETS-S was a project we completed in our ITEC 7430 class, entitled Internet Tools. In this lesson, we were charged with creating a lesson plan in which we modeled and facilitated the use of research-based, learner-centered strategies addressing the diversity of all students. My lesson plan, really more of a unit plan, involved a very complex project that is meant to be taught in association with the reading of John Krakauer’s novel Into Thin Air, a personal account of the ill-fated 1996 Everest expedition that resulted in the deaths of six team members. Throughout the unit, students (in groups) are asked to prepare for their own “climbing expedition” by learning about the geography, the culture and diversity of their location, the challenges of the rugged terrain of each of the Seven Summits in the world (one on each continent) to which they are traveling, the environment, and the applicable governmental restrictions accorded to the particular area of study. Students then choose an “occupation” or “job” that will become theirs throughout the entire unit based on their own preferences and their own ability, and are invited into an in-depth exploration of their own making.
Within the unit, students are asked to analyze their own cultural beliefs based on what they learn about others. They are able to reflect on what it means to live in a diverse world with diverse belief systems. Further, students must learn to cooperate with each other to accomplish their learning objectives.
From completing this artifact, I learned that students need more guidance than what I initially anticipated. They need help in learning to work together effectively. They need help in determining their tasks and their responsibilities to the group members. If I were doing this project over again, I would be sure to address some of these logistical challenges as I walk through the unit with the students. I would also ensure I had models of each artifact so they would have a better understanding of my expectations of their output.
Again, students love these kinds of novel activities, and ensuring that my planning includes this kind of challenging learning is essential to overall student achievement. I encourage students to think critically and to problem solve together as a team. When they do that, they learn to think for themselves and troubleshoot challenges along the way. This increases student engagement and hence, increases student achievement as well.
Within the unit, students are asked to analyze their own cultural beliefs based on what they learn about others. They are able to reflect on what it means to live in a diverse world with diverse belief systems. Further, students must learn to cooperate with each other to accomplish their learning objectives.
From completing this artifact, I learned that students need more guidance than what I initially anticipated. They need help in learning to work together effectively. They need help in determining their tasks and their responsibilities to the group members. If I were doing this project over again, I would be sure to address some of these logistical challenges as I walk through the unit with the students. I would also ensure I had models of each artifact so they would have a better understanding of my expectations of their output.
Again, students love these kinds of novel activities, and ensuring that my planning includes this kind of challenging learning is essential to overall student achievement. I encourage students to think critically and to problem solve together as a team. When they do that, they learn to think for themselves and troubleshoot challenges along the way. This increases student engagement and hence, increases student achievement as well.