Lesson Plans (A Comparison)

WEEK 5 BLOG (September 22th-September 26th)

Lesson Plans (A Comparison)--By: Meaghan Brenna Foley

1) DIRECT INSTRUCTION LESSON PLAN

Video #1 (Parts of the Direct Instruction lesson) shared the fact that the direct instruction lesson plan is a very popular format among teachers. This particular video solidified my belief that presenting and explaining factual material (of all subjects) is of the utmost importance. Facts are critical elements teachers must always include in their direct instruction lesson plans. Motivation helps boost the students' confidence and helps them recall information from their conceptual knowledge bases. Direct instruction involves repetition and referring back to prior knowledge. I am a fan of direct instruction lessons because I love to demonstrate and model new information. Students should also learn how to make connections between different subject matters. In my opinion, all students must make the connection between Social Studies and English Language Arts. These 2 subjects make up the foundation of the spiral learning curriculum. Throughout the school years, students build off of previous information they've already learned. I think that teachers must provide new material in creative ways in order to positively impact on their students. 

PHASES OF AN EFFECTIVE PRESENTATION

1) Establish Set-students anticipate a fast start & are motivated to pay attention to what the teacher is going to say.

2) Present an Advance Organizer-helps students connect new learning to prior knowledge.

3) Present New Information-helps organize new information in a clear and simple form (i.e., a conceptual web--involving students through process). 

4) Checking for Understanding to Strengthen Student Thinking-asking students questions helps them connect the specific topic to their own personal lives (i.e., real-world events/experiences). 

DIRECT INSTRUCTION VIDEO #2 NOTES

Direct Instruction Lessons helps students acquire new knowledge (i.e., facts, etc…) through development and practice. 

There are 4 Phases of Direct Instruction:

1) Demonstrating Knowledge or Skill

2) Providing for Guided Practice

3) Checking for Understanding and Giving Feedback

4) Providing for Extended Practice

DIRECT INSTRUCTION LESSON VIDEO #3 + NOTES

The first-time teachers in this video provided wonderful instruction in the implementation of their first direct instruction lesson. Any direct instruction lesson involves direct questioning and immediate feedback from both the teachers and students. Teachers must include specific items from each phase of development in a direct instruction lesson. Checking for understanding and guided practice are two very important key elements of a direct instruction lesson. Specifically, this video mentioned helping students learn about cause and effect through the use of a graphic organizer. I believe that graphic organizers are tools that benefit students by helping them organize their thoughts in a clear and efficient manner. Explanatory statements from the teacher(s) should support students and gradually help them to succeed. Like the teachers in the video, I enjoy creating colorful and informative PowerPoint presentations to help organize and share my thoughts with others. PowerPoints definitely help grab the attention of the students in the classroom. Group work is yet another important aspect of a direct instruction lesson. Teachers should always encourage their students to be on their best behaviors, respect each other, and contribute to the class discussion. There are between 1-10 major steps in order to create a successful direct instruction lesson plan. At the conclusion of the lesson, the teacher gave the students a homework assignment to work on independently at home. This form of independent practice included their daily topic issues (i.e., cause & effect, etc…).

2) INQUIRY LESSON PLAN

VIDEO #1 NOTES

Problem-Based Instruction: helps students learn how to investigate and inquire about new things. 

*There are 4 Phases of Problem-Based Learning*

1) Presenting Students with a Driving Question or Problem

2) Organizing Students for Inquiry

3) Assisting Students with Their Investigations

4) Presenting Results in the Form of Reports, Artifacts, & Exhibits

• In my opinion, Inquiry-based lesson plans stimulate the mind and emphasize the concept known as critical thinking. It is important for students to formulate their own opinions using educated vocabulary. When students have scholarly conversations with each other, they begin the processes of inquiry and investigation. These processes help people adapt to and survive in society. Inquiry lessons are especially beneficial to young elementary school students because they cannot grasp the basic definition of necessary problem-solving skills. Once students are able to solve problems on their own, they can then go on to inquire and investigate new evidences. 

VIDEO #2 NOTES

Concept Attainment: helps students learn and be able to classify simple and complex ideas. Begins at an early age and continues throughout life. In the 5th grade class, students learned about simple and complex machines (i.e., concept attainment). 

*There are 4 Phases of Concept Attainment*

1) Clarify Aims & Establish Set

2) Input of Examples and Non-Examples

3) Test Attainment

4) Analyze Student Thinking Processes

• Students can be placed in groups, or work independently, to attempt the task of analyzing and applying the knowledge learned through concept attainment. I believe that students should have equal opportunity to participate in groups and work independently. This will teach students to appreciate and respect the creative learning process. 

3) COOPERATIVE LEARNING LESSON PLAN

VIDEO #1  & VIDEO #2 NOTES

*There are 4 Phases of Cooperative Learning*

1) Clarify Aims

2) Providing Learning Materials

3) Organizing Study Teams

4) Assisting Teams

5) Sharing, Evaluating, & Recognizing Work 
(The final phase of Cooperative Learning is also known as GROUP PROCESSING).

Cooperative Learning In The Classroom

• In my opinion, partners and groups are extremely beneficial towards achieving the utmost success in one's education. Cooperative learning involves 1) positive interdependence, 2) individual accountability, 3) group processing, 4) social skills, and 5) lesson plans. I believe that turn-taking and equal participation are the most important elements of cooperative learning in the classroom. All students should share in classroom tasks and offer their unique, personal views on the subject. When multiple viewpoints are presented during groups, students realize the benefits of critical thinking and enjoy cooperative learning. 

Dr. Smirnova's Artifacts

Week 5: September 22nd-September 26th

Artifact Review By: Meaghan Brenna Foley

I always love the opportunity to learn about a new cultures! I was intrigued by the many artifacts which belong to my Education professor, Dr. Smirnova. This week, Dr. Smirnova modeled the artifact bag project by bringing in some of her own personal items. My group members and I received 3 of Dr. Smirnova's items to observe, research, and reflect upon in a historical perspective.

ITEM #1:

• The first artifact presented to my group was a picture of Dr. Smirnova as a young woman. We assumed it was in an outdoor setting due to the trees and other foliage; however, we were unsure of exactly what was happening in the picture. Dr. Smirnova filled us in on the details about the picture. She was a student who also worked as a camp counselor in Russia in 1974. The 3 men around her were camp leaders. I found this picture to be very interesting and enjoyed learning something new about Dr. Smirnova.

ITEM #2:

• The second artifact given to my group was some kind of document. I assumed it was a certificate, or diploma. My partner, Nick, researched the Russian alphabet and found the letter "d" for diploma, which matched the cover of this document. Once we confirmed this with Dr. Smirnova, my prediction was made accurate. This is Dr. Smirnova's doctorates degree from Russia! I am fascinated by the different languages and symbols used on the diploma. It would be wonderful if I knew how to translate Russian words to English words. One day I will learn! I can do this! :) 

ITEM #3:

• The third, and final, artifact presented to my group was a type of porcelain dish. After some research, my group members and I found out that this is a special Russian craft, called a Gzhel. I love the beautiful details embedded within this dish. They are so intricate and colorful! :) Also, this craft could be used for a number of different reasons (i.e., tea bags, candy, etc…). 

Geography and History (Week 4 Blog) By: Meaghan Brenna Foley

ED 3120--WEEKLY OVERVIEW By: Meaghan Brenna Foley

• This week, I have learned a lot about History and Geography. I was given the task of researching about the Iroquois Indians. I enjoy learning new information about other cultures. In my opinion, all students should be taught about current events, or newsworthy information that's happening in the world today. Specifically, students must learn about geography and their surroundings. Some students living in urban areas need to be enlightened about rural lands and other agricultural societies. I believe that in order to survive in the world, we must have some knowledge about foreign people, places, and regions around the world. The subject of using historical artifacts very  much interests me. I am a visual learner and find the use of artifacts to be extremely beneficial. I found a video on YouTube that relates to the subject of historical artifacts. In this video, a UK teacher leads her class and presents her daily lesson wonderfully. I support her inclusion of stimulated conversation about dense and sparse populations. She teaches her students about the importance of using props, or artifacts, as visual aids to help generate new thoughts and ideas.

MONDAY (September 15, 2014)

Evan T. Pritchard: Speaker

• I enjoyed listening to Mr. Pritchard speak during Monday's class. I was pleasantly surprised by his vast knowledge of  Native American Indians and amount of information that he shared with us. Mr. Pritchard proved to be very knowledgeable in the area of  Indian tribes all across New York State. I was in awe of the colorful and extremely well detailed map that Mr. Pritchard drew and labeled. In the near future, I hope to learn more about Native American cultures. Additionally, I will keep in mind Mr. Pritchard's 20+ books to possibly use as references in my educational career. I especially like his children's book because the illustrations are very child-friendly. Mr. Pritchard's children's book also allows the students the opportunity to read the text as well as color the pictures.

Mr. Pritchard made this map himself! Well-done! 

This is the first book I was presented with during class. I quickly skimmed through it and could immediately tell that Mr. Pritchard is very knowledgeable about Native American tribes. 

This novel really caught my eye because it is appears to be very in-depth and comprehensive.

This is the children's book written and illustrated by Mr. Evan T. Pritchard. I think that this book would be wonderful to use with elementary school students during the Fall. 

Mr. Pritchard also drew and labeled this amazing map that included various Indian tribes throughout the Hudson Valley. I was amazed at the amount of detail and effort that was put into the map! I appreciated Mr. Pritchard telling me about the history of my hometown of Poughkeepsie, New York. I definitely learned a lot of new information! :) 

• At the conclusion of Monday's class, I enjoyed listening to the musical performance given by Mr. Pritchard. I especially enjoyed when he sang the Indian chanting song while playing the drum. I thought that was very neat! I believe that all teachers should incorporate some type of music into their classroom. It really grabs the students' attention and keeps them interested in the lesson.

WEDNESDAY (September 17, 2014)

• I learned a great deal more about cooperative learning and group processing during Wednesday's class. Two of my classmates and I collaborated on a group presentation on the Iroquois. We put all of our research together and worked towards a common goal, which is also known as group processing. My classmates and I presented our PowerPoint presentation on the Iroquois with much success! I am very proud of our efforts and appreciate all of the feedback that we received. :) Each day, I am learning such a tremendous amount of information that will benefit me in the future. Technology is such a wonderful resource that can be utilized in so many different ways! 

FRIDAY (September 19, 2014)

• I learned a great deal of information on the remaining Native American tribes during Friday's class. I was impressed by the vast amount of detail that encompasses the culture and life of Native Americans. I am interested in learning more about Native Americans and look forward to using additional forms of technology to research and report my findings. 

Four Goals (Purposes) for the Study of History By: Meaghan Brenna Foley

Chapter 11: "How Do I Engage Students in Examining History"

By: Meaghan Brenna Foley 

There are numerous goals, or purposes, for the study of history. The possibilities are endless! :) I've narrowed down the selection to 4 main goals (purposes). 

1) SOCIALIZATION

• In my opinion, a major goal for studying history is to be able to socialize with others. Each person is unique and offers different perspectives on the world. I also believe that history allows people to learn about numerous cultures. Cultural knowledge is very beneficial because it allows for the expansion of one's knowledge capacity. Isolation is a negative aspect in past historical societies; therefore, I feel that it is crucial for all students and teachers to be open-minded. The desire to learn about other societies/cultures is how we learn and progress from mistakes made in history's past to make better choices. 

• The video above includes the interviews of young children on the subject of gender roles.  The children share their thoughts on what they believe to be suitable gender tasks (i.e., the barbie dolls-the girl barbie takes care of the children). This video proves that socialization is such a crucial part of understanding the study of history.  In today's society, men and women have drastically different gender roles than in past history. Women take on more responsibility both in the workforce and the household than ever before. Children should accept one another's differences (i.e., culture, gender, etc...). As time progresses, history changes and so do the minds of our children. In order for children to become moral and law abiding citizens, they must be taught the difference between what is right and what is wrong.  In this way, the goal of socialization in history can be successfully achieved. 

2) COUNTERSOCIALIZATION

• Countersocialization is another important aspect, or goal, for the study of history. Along with socialization, countersocialization provides students with the opportunity to be involved in changing history. Countersocialization is different than socialization because it requires everyone "to examine their personal and social beliefs and analyze the problems of their nation and the world" (Sunal & Haas, 2011, p. 335). I believe that countersocialization is a goal in history because it involves the inclusion of reason and evidence. Reason and evidence are two very important pieces of history that are constantly changing the course of history. Teachers must teach their students to be able to reflect and support their ideas about history. Once students are fully immersed in the process of countersocialization, they move up on the learning ladder. 

3) CHRONOLOGICAL THINKING

• I believe that chronological thinking is the third most important goal, or purpose, for the study of history. The meaning of chronological thinking is simply to be able to"distinguish between past, present, and future time" (Sunal & Haas, 2011, p. 345). History is vast and full of many events, people, places, etc... In order to become educated historical learners, we all must understand the difference in time. For example, we should be able to understand that Columbus sailed around the world (1492) before President Obama was elected (2008). Timelines are wonderful tools to help students understand how to separate historical events and how to remember dates.

4) HISTORICAL COMPREHENSION

• My fourth and final main goal (purpose) for the study of history would have to be historical comprehension. Historical comprehension is the basic foundation for understanding the meaning of historical data. In my opinion, people must first establish historical comprehension before being able to reflect and analyze information. I believe that visual aids and historical speakers are two very interesting ways in which teachers can engage with their students in the study of history. Learning should also be both enjoyable and educational. I have had many wonderful experiences with history in the past and would love to learn much more about different places all around the world. I plan on incorporating my passion and love for history with my future students because I want them to love the study of  history too! :) 

References

Sunal, C., & Haas, M. (2011). How Do I Engage Students in Examining History? In Social studies for the elementary and middle grades: A constructivist approach. Boston: Allyn and Bacon.