1.Description of the levels of classroom discussions :
Teacher to teacher. This is how teachers plan to work together to plan projects. Asking questions and getting good feedback from colleagues about the project. Teachers that can communicate face to face are also using technology (blogs, wiki and etc) to stay connected and continue collaborating.
Student to student. Students are communicating with other students about what they are learning. Must remind students how important communication among their peers are and good team work. When students are able to explain themselves it challenges other students thinking and gives them all the opportunity to learn from one another.
Teacher to student. As a teacher you may decide to lead whole group lesson to introduce a new concept or demonstrate a skill. Or you could lead a class discussion to see where students are at on their projects or to understanding of the assignment. You are most likely observing students at this stage and working closely with smaller groups. This ideal for practicing your listening skills. You will want to ask questions that promote higher learning.
2. Discussion on the questions for "checking in"on students during a project
procedural: This is when you as a teacher check and make sure that students are spending their time wisely and that they are learning. You help keep students guided in the right direction to finishing their project and check to make sure that they have things available to them that they need to complete the project.
teamwork: This is when you as the teacher asses team dynamics. You circulate and make sure that everyone on the team is playing a part in completing the project.
understanding: Teachers should be listening to student comments and making sure that they are making good progress. Make sure you as a teacher can understand where the students are headed with their line of thinking.
self-assessment: Ask student questions that encourage them to re think about a issue and reflect on their topic. Allow areas where students can express their concerns.
3.Discussion on the benefits for students when optimizing the use of technology
Students enjoy using the podcast to match their learning because they didn't have to ask the teacher to repeat information that they had already went over. Technology benefits the students because it engages them more than the regular style of learning probably would have. Many students already have prior knowledge working with technology so its a great way to keep them connected with developing software and programs.
4. Discussion on the 21st century skills that can make or break a project
Conflict can surely make or break a group project. As a teacher we must pay close attention to team dynamics. Haviing students write up a contract on their role and responsibility for a project is a great way to make a project work and encourage all students in the group to participate somehow. Incorporating team work as a part of the groups assessment help emphasize the importance of the 21st century skills.
5.Discussion on how concepts from this chapter relate to your project
Well, I think that all of the levels of classroom discussions are neccassary and important to our group in order for us to complete projects. I think its crucial that we learn to ask god questions to our group members and our teacher. I think our team may need to communicate a little more and ask better questions then we do.
I like how you focused on team dynamics as something that could make or break a project. Conflict among students is definitely something that could arise during a project, and keeping a close eye on the teams as they progress will be important, so as to address problems as they arise.
ReplyDeleteI like how you made your point about how learning with technology would be more beneficial than regular learning because they are engaging themselves more in the information. I never really thought about all the differences between learning and learning through technology and I would have to agree with you.
ReplyDeleteAs Taylor said, I liked that you talked about how technology would be more beneficial. When students use more technology I also feel like they are more engaged because they are using something they enjoy to learn. It's hard for me to learn about something I don't know without using the correct tools or technology to learn about it, it's hard to keep an interest to the topic!
ReplyDeleteI really like how you touched on how technology can be more engaging these days because they will most likely have experience with technology. I think that technology has definitely expanded every year and will really help benefit each and every learner in a different way.
ReplyDeleteI really agree with you about how technology benefits children. I also agree that conflict will make or break a project, especially coming from past experiences.
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