As a requirement for this class, we are all responsible for ten hours of field work. Unlike any other methods classes, Social Studies methods actually gives you the opportunity to teach in front of a fourth grade class, with the help of two other peers. We are split up into groups of three and four and asked to write and teach a unit plan containing 6 lessons. Two direct instruction, two inquiry, and two cooperative learning. We were only allowed to teach one of each, because of the time constraint.
Group 1: Barbara, Samantha, and Lauren covered "The American Revolution Begins"
Direct Instruction:
All: Good use of a powerpoint, interacted with all the students well, nice cause and effect worksheet, and great management of extraneous questions. For next time, be sure to introduce yourselves, because the students did not know any of your names. Also the class was out of hand a few times during a direct introduction lesson, maybe use a clap sequence and have the students repeat it or music to quiet down your students. Great job overall ladies! There is always room for more improvement.
Lauren- Nice job presenting, you were always very enthusiastic. the thumbs up thumbs down method was a good touch as well. In the beginning you had them touching their nose, head, shoulder, etc., but it was nice that you limited it to just the thumbs up or down. The only critique I have for you is to use Native Americans instead of Indians. Other then that good job!
Samantha- Great walking around and assessing all of the students work. Instead of telling your students you struggle with the word "Fort Ticonderoga" ask them to repeat the word three times. Nice work!
Barbara- Your interaction with the students was wonderful, and you answered all their questions very professionally. At times you were talking very loudly over the students. Instead of talking over them have a method to quiet them down, it will make your life 10x easier.
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Group 1 has finished their first lesson, direct instruction. The next lesson they taught to the class was an Inquiry lesson. An Inquiry lesson contains the Five E's: engagement, exploration, explanation, elaboration, and evaluation. The 5 E's are called the Learning Cycle Model. You're probably wondering what the 5 E's mean and how they can be applied to a lesson. The first E is Engage. The learner has a need to know, therefore, defines questions, issues or problems that relate to his/her world. The second E is Explore/investigate. The learner gathers, organizes, interprets, analyzes, and evaluates data. The third E is Explain/clarify. The learner clarifies understandings discovered, reaches conclusions or generalizes and communicates in varying modes and forms. The fourth E is Elaboration. Applies concepts in contexts, and builds on/ extends understanding and skill.The last E is Expand. The learner will apply these conclusions or generalizations to solve problems, make decisions, perform tasks, resolve conflicts or make meaning.
You all had an effective review session, it was short and to the point. All of you made some great improvements from the last session too! I really liked how you asked students to repeat difficult words. Your voki was pretty cool also. The 4th grade loved it, because it was so personal, James Madison very clever :) Also all of your artifact boxes were awesome. I don't know where you got all the artifacts, but well done! Your letter at the end was also clever. It made the students feel as if they were making a difference.
