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.