Wow, I can’t believe that I didn’t post this by Wednesday. I was “checking back” to see what comments had been made, only to find that I had not made an initial comment. I know that life has been busy, and my friends would give me a hard time saying that I am getting old, but I could have sworn that I did this on time.
I am really struggling with the problem-based learning project. One of the goals that I had was to come up with a lesson or unit that combined a real world problem with the use of technology. I feel that I lack the creativity to develop this type of thing. Most of the projects and units that I now use were created by others and adapted to fit my style. That was one of the reasons that I chose this as an area of weakness, and one that I needed to work on. I am not teaching math or science, and these curricular areas seem to lend themselves to this type of approach. I did finally think of something that I might be able to develop. Many of my students are complaining about the food in the cafeteria. It is not a little problem. The recent push for good nutrition has left the menu seeming bland and tasteless. My thinking is still in the infancy stage, but something that would include research on school menus and nutrition, as well as cost and perhaps local solutions for produce. A presentation that would include a technology component using presentation software and a persuasive essay or speech to satisfy the connection the curriculum that I am required to teach.
I have made excellent progress on the other goal of taking a leadership role on my campus in the area of technology. Not much left to do there really. I will continue to make myself available to those on my staff who wish to make a foray into the world of integrating technology into their instruction.
I might take a look at the promoting and modeling digital citizenship and responsibility standard for teachers next. As I have increased the amount of technology in my classroom, and students have had more opportunities, the issues of etiquette and responsible social interactions have become a greater problem. My attempts to address the issues have been largely reactive and unplanned. A proactive, planned approach would be more effective, but it would also require taking the time to systematically create lessons to address each area of concern.
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Doug,
ReplyDeleteDon't beat yourself up for "borrowing" an idea and modifying it to make it work for your students. Some of the best things I have done have been spring-boarded off of an idea I came across from another teacher. The more pressured I feel, the less creative I become. I know it can seem "forced" sometimes when I am trying to create something for our application assignments. One thing that works for me is "backward design." I figure out what I would like in the end first and work my way back through it. Another strategy I use is to take a look at lessons I already use and modify them to meet the criteria for our work. It usually amps up the lesson. I am realizing I should be doing this for more of my lessons. Just asking myself "is there a way I can integrate technology to make this a more engaging lesson?"
It has been an incredibly long week, especially for a short week. I always struggle when we have a day off. I don't know if it is because my routine is interrupted, but that is my suspicion. I also had a leadership meeting, three IEP meetings, and needed to call a sub for an in-service day on Thursday. My professional development review is Tuesday, and I am at a new school with a new principal. I don't know what to expect. Pile on to all of that the work for the master's class and I'm just not sure that I am getting it all done satisfactorily. I need a nap just thinking about it all. I'm fairly confident that I will make it through OK, I think. I am “Keep-in' on... keep-in' on.”
ReplyDeleteDoug,
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of students researching and putting together a proposal to improve nutrition and quality of food they are eating at school. I think when we give our students the freedom to change the world, as teachers it is a big responsibility to help them achieve the resources to do so. Your project idea is ambitious and quite brave but something that can make a huge difference for your students and school. Even if the project does not result in improved menus at least your students will be smart about what they are consuming and become more savvy food consumers. Good luck!