Welcome to Module 2 - Building Background (Logistics - Once you click on the video, you should see opposing arrows on the bottom right-hand side of the video. If you click those arrows, the video will enlarge to full screen, and you can stop, rewind, and fast forward as needed. If you do not see the arrows, stop the video, and then click on it again. You will definitely see the arrows in the lower right hand side.)
Now that you have viewed the videos, and you have taken the time to critically assess your own practices, please share by clicking on Comments below how you will:
Homework: Please read the two articles listed below. During our live session, we will be referring back to these readings while you are working collaboratively in groups during breakout sessions. ![]()
![]()
Resources ![]()
![]()
![]()
16 Comments
Chris Weninger
12/4/2020 12:00:45 pm
I really like the idea of the smaller assessments that allow students to recognize their own weaknesses, but i don't know if that works well in a middle school atmosphere because reflection is a pretty mature concept that I am not sure students would grasp until they are perhaps high school aged.
Reply
Hilary Arrabito
12/14/2020 01:25:19 pm
In this "virtual" world I would definitely say I agree with you but in an in-person (basic skills) section there would be time to nurture this.
Reply
Marty Martin
1/18/2021 08:13:23 am
I like smaller assessments and I give them often. I use Google Forms sometimes with just 5 to 10 questions. The students have to keep taking the assessment until they get 100%. That way, if they do not know the answers, they will learn it or figure it out. They are usually multiple choice and they follow whatever we learned the day before or what we are focusing on that week. Once they get the 100% I give them a grade for completing it. That way they are motivated to do it, but not discouraged by their grade.
Reply
Prince Varghese
12/4/2020 05:06:45 pm
- One way I will activate prior knowledge is by using narrative and skimming advance organizers in my lessons. I normally use KWL charts, concepts maps, and other forms of graphic organizers to activate my students' prior knowledge. The narrative and skimming organizers mentioned in video # 5 are great tools for students to familiarize themselves with new concepts, especially in this virtual learning environment. When showing a video clip in class, students can use the narrative organizer to effectively build background on a certain topic.
Reply
James Marsich
12/11/2020 01:45:47 pm
Hi Prince, I like that idea of KWL charts when introducing a new topic. I think I could use something like that in my math class as a possible homework assignment so it does not take away from class time. Thanks for sharing your use of KWL charts.
Reply
Chris Saingas
12/9/2020 01:58:22 pm
I like the relearning strategies in the "Why Teachers Should Help Students Learn Effective Study Strategies" Article. In all of the retrieval and relearning strategies it’s
Reply
James Marsich
12/11/2020 01:43:17 pm
I feel that Activating Prior Knowledge or learning about prior knowledge is difficult for me as a teacher. I agree that it is important to know what the students know and don't know, but I feel the time it takes to try to do this takes away from teaching the curriculum that I am supposed to get through. I would take some advice on better ways to activate prior knowledge that is different from a "pre-test" and that is not very time consuming.
Reply
Prince Varghese
12/11/2020 07:12:13 pm
Hi Jimmy,
Reply
Jonathan Lee
12/14/2020 01:25:49 pm
I agree with both Jimmy and Prince.
Bryan
12/11/2020 02:38:23 pm
One of the things I miss the most about in class instruction is giving students the opportunities to help other students.
Reply
Jennifer Fagan
12/11/2020 02:57:43 pm
Hi Bryan,
Reply
Marty Martin
1/18/2021 08:18:09 am
Bryan and Jennifer - I miss this too. I like to have them move around the classroom, work in groups and pairs. I have been able to do a little of this remotely. I have a few students who are always ahead on their writing so I let them share their documents and leave notes for each other. I emailed them all before class and asked if they wanted to participate in this together. They said yes and I made sure to get feedback on how it went. They all said they would like to do that again. I am actually hoping to try this week. It is better than nothing. But I wish we could walk around the room and listen to their group work. It is great energy for the classroom. It makes it feel like a learning environment.
Jennifer Fagan
12/11/2020 02:54:55 pm
I will activate their prior knowledge by asking them about the games that are related to the coding concepts in Computer Science, see if they have ever heard of them, so I can better understand their prior knowledge.
Reply
Bonnie Corrado
12/14/2020 09:23:19 am
Much of what is suggested in Video #9 is what I do on a regular basis as a special ed teacher. I'm sure most other teachers do these as well: repeat what others say, write on board, use easier words, give more time to work, give more time to copy from board, etc.
Reply
Jonathan Lee
12/14/2020 01:29:47 pm
Some times if I am doing a book study or a short story, I would have students fill out an anticipation guide that will refer to certain themes mentioned within the story. By doing this it activates prior knowledge. It is interesting to see because student's responses really show what students are exposed to and how their culture affects their viewpoint.
Reply
Marty Martin
1/18/2021 09:16:55 am
It is good to hear what the students are thinking, "In Their Own Words". I especially like the idea of giving them "Think Time". This applies to more than just our ELL students. Some students just need quiet to process and get started. Other students can manage with noise in the background. I have to remind myself of this sometimes because even I keep giving instructions and talking and do not always give them "Think Time". I have to think of a strategy for this.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |