Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Week 3 - Redesign

In my previous design, I stated that a student is introduced to a new idea and they begin to think and figure out what that means. I still agree with my statement. However, after reading through the modules, I want to add to it. I want to add that after students are introduced to a new idea, or something being taught to them, they must then put it into practice and do it! In module 11, memory is said to last by the following things: attention, rehearsal, repetition, and elaboration. My model (as seen below)



should be changed in a way that involves what module 11 was talking about. My new model can be seen below.

This new model demonstrates that new ideas need to be shown to students in a way to grab their attention because this will help them remember it better. After a new idea is introduced, the student's brain starts to churn and that is when the repetition and elaboration should start because it is still fresh in the student's mind. The repetition should continue until the information is stored in long-term memory.

Activity: My previous activity was as follows: Students could be presented with a lesson on what place value is. M&M's will be given to them and a large number will be assigned. They should place the amount of M&M's in each place value category. Ex: 394; 3 M&M's for 3 one hundreds, 9 M&M's for 9 tens, and 4 M&M's for 4 ones. 

My new activity would pretty much be the same, but adding a few things.
The students would be presented with a lesson on what place value is. In order to have the attention of the students, a rhyme may be said for them to remember how to do place value. They all must repeat, repeat, repeat. Then for them to practice the material to implement it, they will be given M&M's. They will be given a large number and place M&M's in each value category. Ex: 394; 3 M&M's for 3 one hundreds, 9 M&M's for 9 tens, and 4 M&M's for 4 ones. The next day, they will review the lesson and repeat the rhyme. Afterwards, they will again review how to do the lesson by practicing with slips of paper. 


Reflection: My first model was what I still agree with, but after reading the modules, I knew I did not have enough information previously to make a great model. After reading, I am better equipped and know more things to make my model complete. All I needed was a little additional information. I now know that students will remember lessons the way my new model illustrates, rather than how my old model illustrates. My new model will have the students practicing and reviewing so they will remember more. My first model would have had my students forgetting everything they learned by the time class was over!

2 comments:

  1. I really like the fact that you choose to keep the same general idea of your model, but just add to it as you read. The fact that students will remember things better if they are interested in the subject was also something important that I got out of the reading.

    I think the new activity will definitely help the students learn the material better, which is the ultimate goal of teaching. The rhyming will help them remember place value, and repeating it will also aide in that. My only question would be is if there are ways other than a rhyme for them to repeat and help them remember the ideas. I also think that the fact that you are using a common candy to do the task will also help the studetns remember, because its something they see often and something that they like. Really great idea.

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  2. I really liked that you used the M&M's as a fun way to grab the student's attention. That is something that is sure to keep them interested. I also really agree with the fact that you said new ideas lead to attention, rehearsal, etc.

    In kindergarten, we learned to count our time tables using little LEGO blocks. I remember this lesson really well because the blocks were fun different colors and it really kept my attention on the lesson. Interesting ideas like these are crucial for younger children in that it grabs their attention and allows them to connect different ideas together. I remembered my time tables because I WANTED to use the LEGOs and the more I used them, the more I practiced my math lessons. I think you did pretty well on your post but maybe next time try to apply a little more information from the readings?

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