EdTech542: Reflect Back on the Project

Now that the project is complete it is important to reflect back on it in order to improve it for next time. I will involve both participating students and the math department head. The students will help analyze the effectiveness of the project and the “fun” factor. The math department head will help analyze the data to see whether the time taken out of the school schedule was worth the outcomes.

The students would be assessed probably with verbal questioning or a little survey to get their feedback. Working with the math department head would consist of a short meeting to discuss the pros and cons and look at the data. We would also discuss possible changes for the following year.

This evaluation process would need to take place after each time the project is implemented. This would allow for the project to become more streamlined, effective, and meaningful for students.

 

EdTech542 – Effective Facilitator Reflection

Will my role in the teaching/learning process change?

I have been looking to change my approach to teaching and the processes that go on in my classroom to create a more independent learner who is not helpless. Students have been trained that if they don’t get it, then ask. This is not a bad thing, but at the same time they ask too quickly. If within 10 seconds of reading the problem there is confusion they just give up and ask.

All of this is to say, yes with the PBL model my role will change from teaching it directly to facilitating their own discovery. I will be more of a guidance counselor than a drill instructor.

What are the skills of effective facilitation?

Skills needed for effective facilitation, in my understanding, are as follows:

• Provides appropriate tools for students
• Provides appropriate skills for students
• Asks relevant questions to help students process
• Allows students to “struggle” through tough questions, but helps when students near their breaking point
• Guides them to useful resources
• Listens to students thought processes and asks pertinent questions
• Manages students’ progress through the project and nudges the slow ones onward
• Adjusts the project for those who need accommodations

Will the students develop the competencies and skills needed to be successful?

The independence of the learners is largely based on their age and maturity. Junior high students need more guidance and prompting in order for them to develop the competencies and skills needed to be successful. The teacher/facilitator plays an important role in the success of their students.

What changes will you need to make in order to become an effective facilitator in your PBL unit?

As a teacher I think I ask questions well. I try not to give students the answer. With that said, sometimes I find myself giving them the process too quickly or I come to their aid to quickly. Another area that I will need to improve in so that I can be an effective facilitator is my organization. I sometimes do things on the fly, which most of the time turn out really well. With a PBL approach, major organization is essential or the final products will turn out very poorly.

 

 

EdTech542 Reflection: Designing Integrated Curriculum

Benefits

• Students see that all the subjects work together in the real world.
• Helps teachers create projects that complement other subjects
• Teachers use the same standards set in each subject area
• Students work throughout the day to create a product
• All teachers are on the same page and can create an overall excitement for the project

Challenges

• Some teachers do not work well in collaborative efforts
• It is hard work to collaborate and create a seamless project
• Aligning and meeting standards across multiple disciplines is difficult
• Some teachers like to isolate themselves and would not do well with a multiple subject project.