In my reflection and responses on my last blog about the NETS-T standards, I have noticed that there are several things I can do to reach my goals of engaging my students and enriching the learning environment. It seems that a resource I can turn to is having students do their own blog or having a classroom blog! This would give students the opportunity to share their thoughts and opinions for all to see and they could reflect on one anothers comments (very much like we do now!) It would be important for me to make sure students had access to a computer on a regular basis if I were to try the blogging idea. However, I could always give students time during class to work on the school computers, so it would not be a huge issue if students did not have daily access.
Another idea for keeping students engaged and being more “active” in their goals, learning and assessment of their progress is through self-reflection. An easy way to monitor student progress is through journaling. The journal is a form of assessment, but also acts as a way for students to reflect on their “day to day activities in the classroom,” (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009). I can also provide students with the chance to assess their work when a big project is do or another assignment. It seems that if they can take the time to “grade” their work with a rubric they can understand what it is they are missing or what they are succeeding at!
I have always provided students with a rubric before an assignment is due so they can see what they need and do not need. I have taken the steps to make rubrics; I just need to utilize them more to support student reflection and learning.
Resources:
Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful Classroom use: A standards-based approach (Laureate Education custom edition). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning
I remember reading the citation you used. I took a moment and thought ifit could really be sucessful strategy or not. I think it can be because the student has to syntesize the content given in the days class.
ReplyDeleteI decided to try this method out with a couple of students as an intervention to try and help with their mastery of content. I am trying journaling with two students right now. They have to take a couple of minutes and reflect on what went on in the class and honestly assess their level of comprehension of the material. I think (hope) journaling is a helpful tool. If it is, I will implement it as a whole class strategy.
Keeping a reflective journal is prime example of qualitative data used for assessment in your class. This would be meaningful for the students as well, and they may even begin to question their previous means of work or be reassured. Throughout the year, coming back to this journal on a regular basis will reinforce this idea, but at the same time, it would still remain a great approach to formative assessment during the students' learning process.
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