This week has seen positive progress towards my specific goal of “Engaging in professional growth and leadership.” I have signed up to attend a four day workshop in November pertaining to Promethean boards and their uses, as well as ActivVotes and ActivExpressions. (http://www.prometheanplanet.com/en-us/support/hardware/learner-response-systems/) While our district does not have these actual classroom response systems, (we only have CPS systems), we are seriously looking into investing in these new systems. These new classroom response systems allow for students to text in answers; this will be a great way for my students’ little hands to explore typing. Additionally, these workshops will provide for interactive ways to incorporate these new tools into the classroom.
Last week brought some frustration when working with my students. Due to some special activities that were scheduled, I did not see but half of my first graders and pre-kindergarteners last week. When these events are scheduled they are scheduled during non-academic time which means computer class gets cut for the day. I am still not witnessing the growth I would like to in my 3 and 4-year-olds. Their retention from week to week is poor. I have officially decided to use a vocal approach for their communication with other students instead of emailing. The first graders are still advancing at a pace I expect them to; next week will see us beginning to use Word.
After listening to Dr. Ertmer discuss problem-based learning this week I would very much like to find a way to incorporate some into my classes. Again, time is such an issue when you only have thirty minutes. Maybe I can collaborate with some of the first grade teachers and we can integrate our two classes and do a unit together.
Allison,
ReplyDeleteI made the same adjustment with my plan this week; integrating problem-based learning into my classroom. One thing you could consider is integrating mini PBL lessons. If you were to combine classes with the first graders, how would you set up your groups?
Jenna Enevoldsen
Hello Allison,
ReplyDeleteI understand the frustration with extra activities going on during a time when you are trying to accomplish so much. Not long ago, we had homecoming and my students were not focused at all, therefore I considered just doing what I could do and plan on catching the other after all of that was done. Have you tried looking ahead to see what is coming up and planning based on what you see on your schedule? Perhaps on those weeks when you don't have anything, you can do more, therefore your frustration level is not so high.
Jenna and Math and Science Information,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the suggestions. Both are good.
Jenna,
When I spoke of combining classes I meant I wanted to see if I could help out the first grade teachers with their PBL by having the students complete the technology components of teh project while they were in my class in lab. Does that make more sense? If I do PBL in my classroom they will have to be on a mini scale due to time restrictions.