Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Reflection
I have to laugh. In researching for our Chapter 7 wiki text, I only found one article that does not demonize standarized testing. Actually, it is supportive of it! I'll post the resource later. However, I do understand why educators are frustrated. I did not realize how big the debate was between stardarized testing and constructivist type of assessments. It seems to be a debate between politicans and educators. I'm not saying in any way shape or form that policy makers who are not educators have no experience or right to make these decisions. However, I am also not saying that educators are being heard by these policy makers. (It is very scary to write this because the debate seems, in some places very heated, and I am attempting to write without bias either way!) However, I'm wondering about the balance because I see valid agruments in each view points. For example, we need statistical data, it helps make things clear and concise and direct. BUT...we are dealing with children, individuals that, around the country have different cultures and expriences that influence preformance and thinking that can not be measured the same. How do we solve the debate? I was not a good test taker in math, my standarized tests scores were always low, however, I also struggled with the subject throughout grade school and high school-my results matched. Some students do well on the standized tests, but do not do well in course content. So as of right now, overwhelmed, I don't know which method of assessment is better for all children and I am grateful that I am not the one who has to make that decision.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Resource Log 19-25
Here are some of my finds from my last (Chapter 2) Wiki research. Some I used, some I did'nt, free to all!
Danzi, J., Reul, K, Smith, R. (2008). Improving Studetn Motivation in Mixed Ability Classrooms Using Differentiated Instruction. [On-line Submission]. Retrieved on February 17, 2009 from ERIC database.
Hall, A.R. (2007). Mini Literature Review Based on Brain Research and its Effects on Education Practice. [On-line Submission]. Retrieved on February 19, 2009 from Eric database.
Miller, P. (2001). Learning Styles: The Multimedia of the Mind. Research Report. Retrieved on February 18, 2009 from ERIC database.
Lopez, D.M. & Schroeder, L. (2008). Designing Strateegies That Meet the Variety of Learning Styles of Students. [On-line Submission]. Retrieved on February 17, 2009 from ERIC database.
Mixon, K. (2004). Three Learning Styles...Four Steps to Reach Them. Teaching Music, 11, (4), 48. Retrieved on February 17, 2009 from ERIC database.
Aslan, A. & Aslan, H. (2007). Hand Movement Deviations in a Visual Search with Cross Modal Cuing. Psicologica International Journal of Methodology and Experimental Psychology, 28, (1), 87-103. Retrieved on February 17, 2009 from ERIC database.
Kratzig, G.P. & Arbuthnott, K.D. (2006). Perceptual Learning Style and Learning Proficiency: A Test of the Hypothesis. Journal of Educational Psychology, 98, (1), 238-246. Retrieved on February 17, 2009 from ERIC database.
Danzi, J., Reul, K, Smith, R. (2008). Improving Studetn Motivation in Mixed Ability Classrooms Using Differentiated Instruction. [On-line Submission]. Retrieved on February 17, 2009 from ERIC database.
Hall, A.R. (2007). Mini Literature Review Based on Brain Research and its Effects on Education Practice. [On-line Submission]. Retrieved on February 19, 2009 from Eric database.
Miller, P. (2001). Learning Styles: The Multimedia of the Mind. Research Report. Retrieved on February 18, 2009 from ERIC database.
Lopez, D.M. & Schroeder, L. (2008). Designing Strateegies That Meet the Variety of Learning Styles of Students. [On-line Submission]. Retrieved on February 17, 2009 from ERIC database.
Mixon, K. (2004). Three Learning Styles...Four Steps to Reach Them. Teaching Music, 11, (4), 48. Retrieved on February 17, 2009 from ERIC database.
Aslan, A. & Aslan, H. (2007). Hand Movement Deviations in a Visual Search with Cross Modal Cuing. Psicologica International Journal of Methodology and Experimental Psychology, 28, (1), 87-103. Retrieved on February 17, 2009 from ERIC database.
Kratzig, G.P. & Arbuthnott, K.D. (2006). Perceptual Learning Style and Learning Proficiency: A Test of the Hypothesis. Journal of Educational Psychology, 98, (1), 238-246. Retrieved on February 17, 2009 from ERIC database.
Reflection
I just got done doing some of the research on our new Wiki Chapter. I am researching the topic of the similarities and differences between constructivist assessment and traditional assessment. I am new to teaching and although I have adopted some constructivist theory, I am predominately a traditional teacher. However, as I read these articles I started to think about how I assess my students along some constructivist lines. I do have some portfolio material on them and I also include some observation and informal assessments in my final evaluations. I strive to impliment as much critical thinking into my questions and much prefer to have students answer open ended questions than yes or no type responses. All of this started me to question as to weather I was a constructivist. I would still have to say no, or not yet. I liked what I read about having the students question each other and getting outside opinions on their progress. I guess I do that to some extent, but I believe that where constructivism is concerned I am still missing the big picture. It is intresting to think about and has challenged me to incorporate more into my practice.
Resource Log 18/Reflection
Pausch, R. (2007). The Last Lecture. Retrieved on Feburary 28, 2009 from http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-5700431505846055184&ei=zeW2Sfu3M5K-rwKWj-yjDQ&q=Randy+Pauch&emb=1.
This is a very touching video. Randy Pausch was a professor who taught at Carnigie Mellon and specialized in virtual reality. He passed away of terminal cancer after this video was made. The reason I included it in my resource was that I was in awe of his constructivist approach and the way he motivated students to create these amazing projects. What he seemed to do is give students guidelines then allow them to add their own to it and take it as far as they could. He had students work in teams and in one of his classes he started to have them preform their virtual worlds live in front of an audience. He mentioned that part of the presentations was having an interactive audience. I think the strongest thing I saw was how he motivated his students and was enable some of them to get jobs where they were able to apply their experience. Although the video it not about his teaching methods per sey, it seemed to apply and reminded me about many concepts we are learning in class.
This is a very touching video. Randy Pausch was a professor who taught at Carnigie Mellon and specialized in virtual reality. He passed away of terminal cancer after this video was made. The reason I included it in my resource was that I was in awe of his constructivist approach and the way he motivated students to create these amazing projects. What he seemed to do is give students guidelines then allow them to add their own to it and take it as far as they could. He had students work in teams and in one of his classes he started to have them preform their virtual worlds live in front of an audience. He mentioned that part of the presentations was having an interactive audience. I think the strongest thing I saw was how he motivated his students and was enable some of them to get jobs where they were able to apply their experience. Although the video it not about his teaching methods per sey, it seemed to apply and reminded me about many concepts we are learning in class.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Resource Log 17/Reflection
Abdallah, M.M.S. (2008). Multiple Ways to be Smart: Gardners Theory of Multiple Intelligence and its Educational Implication in English Teaching and Oral Communication. [On-line Submission]. Retrieved on February 17, 2009 from ERIC database.
This article was used for our Chapter 2 WikiText. It talks about Gardener's Multiple Intelligence Theory. I kept thinking how innovative Gardener was in thinking that all children are individuals. When you think about it, it is somewhat of a "duh" concept. Of course children, like all people are unique. But we seem to have set up our educational system, in general, to treat all children the same, not equal, but the same. And I really agree with expanding the definition of "intelligence" past the idea of academic production on a test. Some of us are good at somethings and not of others. I think about my car. I have no idea how to do anything but put gas in it, but my mechanic can do all sorts of things that I don't understand. I think we are on the right track though with expanding classroom activity to include differentiated activities and thinking of ways to set up all learners for success.
This article was used for our Chapter 2 WikiText. It talks about Gardener's Multiple Intelligence Theory. I kept thinking how innovative Gardener was in thinking that all children are individuals. When you think about it, it is somewhat of a "duh" concept. Of course children, like all people are unique. But we seem to have set up our educational system, in general, to treat all children the same, not equal, but the same. And I really agree with expanding the definition of "intelligence" past the idea of academic production on a test. Some of us are good at somethings and not of others. I think about my car. I have no idea how to do anything but put gas in it, but my mechanic can do all sorts of things that I don't understand. I think we are on the right track though with expanding classroom activity to include differentiated activities and thinking of ways to set up all learners for success.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Resource Log 16/Reflection
Mullen, R. & Wedwick, L. (2008). Avoiding the Digital Abyss: Getting Started in the Classroom with YouTube, Digital Stories, and Blogs. Clearing House: A Journal of Educational Strategies, Issues and Ideas, 82 (2), 66-69. Retrieved on February 24, 2009 from ERIC database.
I have to admit, YouTube makes me nervous. I hear all the negative press around the media about MySpace and YouTube and I become apprehensive to use them or talk about them in my classroom. However, I am aware that this is where we are headed as a culture. I am also aware that the negative stories I heard are not the only experiences that exist when incorporating technology in the classroom or anywhere else. That is why I looked for this article. I guess it is my job as an educator of children who will be using these tools on an ultra-regular basis, to teach them how to be responsible and to use these tools for good and practical use. However, this article somewhat validated the negative consequences of using YouTube in the classroom. It can be hard to weed out the negative clips, and not to mention prohibit pop-ups. We use United Streaming in our district and I do find it easy and invaluable to pull up clips in order to help my students understand concepts. This article also suggests digital stories, which I think my students would find interesting. Despite my apprehension, I am exicited about incorporating more technology into my lessons.
I have to admit, YouTube makes me nervous. I hear all the negative press around the media about MySpace and YouTube and I become apprehensive to use them or talk about them in my classroom. However, I am aware that this is where we are headed as a culture. I am also aware that the negative stories I heard are not the only experiences that exist when incorporating technology in the classroom or anywhere else. That is why I looked for this article. I guess it is my job as an educator of children who will be using these tools on an ultra-regular basis, to teach them how to be responsible and to use these tools for good and practical use. However, this article somewhat validated the negative consequences of using YouTube in the classroom. It can be hard to weed out the negative clips, and not to mention prohibit pop-ups. We use United Streaming in our district and I do find it easy and invaluable to pull up clips in order to help my students understand concepts. This article also suggests digital stories, which I think my students would find interesting. Despite my apprehension, I am exicited about incorporating more technology into my lessons.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Resource Log 15/Reflection
Hall, A.R. (2007). Mini Literature Review Based on Brain Research and its Effects on Education Practice. [On-line Submission]. Retrieved on February 19, 2009 from ERIC database.
I just thought it was interesting the way brain research and M.I. are chaning the way we view teaching and our students. This article explains it very clearly and gives support why learning styles work.
I just thought it was interesting the way brain research and M.I. are chaning the way we view teaching and our students. This article explains it very clearly and gives support why learning styles work.
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