Salzeider

March 4, 2009

Lesson Plans -

1st Hour - Things that stick out: "So do you guys get this?" Did you notice many of the students who said NO... More explanation was needed. When you hand out an article like this, you need to blatantly explain the purpose of the article and walk them through learning about the lesson. There is a lot of awkward silence at times. Unsure if you are waiting for an answer or if students are unresponsive... Notice how many students had to ask for clarification...sign of problems. Some students responded well to your prompts. I liked at times how you held their attention and engaged in conversation. At times you look more like an observer than a facilitator. Possible changes: At the end, have them write their own responses to the main article first. Then, discuss responses. Having a piece of writing is also a great way to assess the lesson and see if you are on track. Have all 7 comments shared with class so others know what was said.

2nd Hour - Good changes. Definitely need to work on classroom presences. Maybe volunteer in programs with students so you become more comfortable around them. Remember, having discussions with 8th graders is a difficult. 1. Be very structured. 2. Make sure you have lots of prompts to help them have something to say. 3. Give them time to form an opinion. 4. Try to have a tie into their world and their concerns.

Video Examples: media type="file" key="0304090916-01.3gp" media type="file" key="0304090917-00.3gp"

March 5, 2009

1st Hour: The tardy start hurt a bit. However, you can see how important it is to be prepared. Internet connections in schools are not all that reliable. Having your information on a memory stick that can hold all of that is important. Try to be aware of the whole room at the same time so those with their hand up are not missed. 2nd Hour: There was some good conversation. I liked the banter between you and the one girl:) Good job pushing her. However, again there was no written component. While they don't always have to write, it's an opportunity for other viewpoints to get shared, even if it is only you reading them. Plus, it gives you a check to see how well students are getting the materials. All the class was spent watching with some students discussing. It seems we were lacking a closing activity. The bell rang and everyone left. There wasn't a final say, final activity.