When we began the semester and I read through the syllabus, I was definitely a little concerned about what I would do for my Individual Integration Project. Because I do not work in a classroom, I was concerned about how they dynamics would work and how I would be able to implement a lesson revolving around technology. A month in to the class, I am very pleased that my concerns are not as great anymore. I have met with two fourth grade Gifted and Talented Education teachers at two different schools in the district where my children attend school and they have agreed to let me use their classes as the test for my lesson. This is a huge help, as both teachers and classes are excited to be a part of the instruction.
For my project, we will be reviewing two math standards that are challenging for the 4th grade gifted students to comprehend immediately. The idea is for one class to focus on one standard while the other class focuses on the other standard. Each class will spend time learning one standard as they normally would through instruction by the teacher. Once they comprehend the standard (based on an assessment created by the teacher), they will get in groups of four and will create a presentation by using google docs and PowerPoint to explain the standard. They will then use the presentation to "teach" the other class across the district via Skype. To ensure mastery of the skill, there will be a rubric created between myself and the teachers involved.
I am looking forward to this project because I believe it will help bring LoTi awareness in to two 4th grade classrooms across a district that will hopefully spark more interest in other areas. I believe the students will enjoy not only using the computers for Skype, but also the ability to interact with students they don't normally work with. I also believe this will be a perfect example of allowing students to implement levels 1-4 of the ISTE Standards for Students.
As you are both teachers in the classroom, I would love to get your thoughts on the overall plan and any questions you have. What issues do you think I will have? Thanks for your help!
I think that the idea of having students learn a skill with an audience in mind - is excellent! It will give a real purpose for the students and engage them in the activity. So your part of the lesson will be showing students how to create their demonstration and assessing them through that? I think it sounds interesting and hope it goes well. Will all students eventually do this project? I read that only students who pass the assessment will begin the project - so I'm not sure if other students will receive remediation activities using technology instead? Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI’m curious as to the two math standards that the 4th grade students are struggling with. I currently “push-in” to two 4th grade classes to work in small-groups during their math block. In addition to teaching my gifted classes, I am also Special Education certified and help to serve these students. Many of the students in these two classes are struggling with long division and word problems. These 4th grade classes also contain my gifted students, so I’m interested in seeing if I could use some ideas from your Integration Project with my students.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of the students becoming the teachers. My co-teacher and I have used in the past and it’s worked. Most often, the students say what we would say as teachers. I find it funny to hear my words and sayings coming out my students’ mouths when they present. The students tend to listen to each other because it’s different than hearing their teacher talk and it carries more weight coming from their peers.