To redefine my high school math classroom with technology, I want to have a self-explanation portion for each unit. Math is a subject whose content doesn't change, but the methods via which we learn the content are constantly being adapted to different learning styles. When I was a student, I learned best by going home after the teacher had lectured on a subject and rewriting my notes or redoing examples in the way that made the most sense to me. That way, I had reviewed the material to solidify it in my mind and I had checked for my understanding of the material by putting it into my own words.
To translate this into my classroom and use technology, I would first have my students google a concept covered in that unit and ask them to find some sort of lesson plan or example of it from another country. If they could find a blog or a panel discussing the concept, I would encourage them to comment and connect with other students or teachers globally. I would then have my students create some sort of visual (whether it be an image, a video, a prezi, etc.) that explains the same concept they looked up in the way that makes the most sense to them. I would then have them upload their visual to a blog site and take a look at some of their classmates visuals as well. Since I am only one person, I can really only deliver the material in one or two different ways during the allotted class time. With each student translating my lesson into their own words, they will now have 20-25 different perspectives on a concept, one of which might make a ton more sense to them than the way I originally instructed them. Additionally, they will have a unique global perspective on how students in another country learned the same topic and might gain a deeper understanding of the material as a result.
This lesson idea fits into the redefinition stage of SAMR because it creates a new task that was not previously possible without technology. Students could create personalized study guides for themselves, but they did not have the capacity to compare their study guides online while at home with all of their classmates simultaneously. Additionally, they now have the ability to compare what they are learning with what students in other countries are learning and perhaps gain an insight into that country's culture as well as the way they practice math skills.
I'm super excited to use this idea and others in my classroom!! This two day course was a wonderful slap in the face to help me realize how much I need to learn about technology and how much I can use it in my classroom to enhance learning for my students! Thank you Jeff!
I love this idea. I am the polar opposite of a math person. Getting the chance to understand a math concept from multiple points of view would have made my math experience much less frustrating. I think that getting perspective from people outside of your classroom will also help. If you were to just have your students try to explain it, they would likely regurgitate your words and actions. Having different teachers' influence will make a priceless difference. This will give your students a very unique chance of success.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea Sarah! It will be so beneficial for these students to take their learning into their own hands while also learning how to increase their digital footprint in a positive way! This stress on their definitions of the concepts will provide them with a greater understanding of the material and lead them to a greater mastery of the class!
ReplyDeleteWow, I love this! Reteaching a lesson is such an effective way to solidify your understanding of it. This is also a brilliant way to equip students with study skills that they will use far beyond your classroom. It may be cool to have them each pick a topic that they struggled with so instead of having 25 lessons on the same concept, there would be some variety which would help a lot of students out. I may steal this and do something like it in my classroom if that's okay!
ReplyDelete