Creating Engagement Thinking outside the box when creating lesson plans.

Educational Theory and Practices Pedagogy The art or science of being a teacher; Teaching. Usually refers to children Andragogy The process of engaging adult learners Draw Your View of Education

Practices Constructivism Argues humans construct meaning from current knowledge structures. Constructivism values developmentally-appropriate facilitator- supported learning that is initiated and directed by the learner. This is the part through which educators (facilitators) wish to approach students in constructing meaning of new concepts. Behaviorism (Didactic/Expository) Teacher centered with a PASSIVE student. Memorization acts as a tool to build knowledge in a hierarchical manner. Discovery Based Student centered as they build upon experiences by discovery, focused on the task and not the subject.

Understanding By Design This curricular development technique takes an almost backwards way of planning. I usually start by knowing the general topic (for instance atoms). Then I do quite a bit of research on the topic if it is new to me. After doing research I begin to form what are called essential questions. Essential questions should address a big idea.

Essential Questions How is energy conserved? What drives scientific and technological advancement? Why and how does the ozone hole form? Can everything be quantified? What is a pattern? How doe we find patterns?

After I form an essential question I begin to determine what types of activities will help to foster understanding in the students and enable them to answer the essential questions. So activities are the last part of the puzzle, not the first.

Object Based Learning (OBL) Look directly at an object, i.e. a sculpture or painting, artifact or advertisement, primary document or ritual object. Use a myriad of questions to discover its role and importance in our world – past, present, and future. Objects are used to initiate discussion, as well as make connections to the learners own experiences.

Inquiry Based Learning (IBL) An instructional method developed during the discovery learning movement of the 1960s. It was developed in response to a perceived failure of more traditional forms of instruction. Inquiry learning is a form of active learning. Progress is assessed by how well students develop experimental and analytical skills rather than how much knowledge they possess.

Visual Thinking Strategies A way of looking at art and images to help foster observation skills and critical thinking. Consists of three questions: What is happening in this picture/piece? What do you see that makes you say that? What more can we find? There are NO wrong answers Don’t direct the discussion, let the group do that. This is the key difference between VTS and IBL.

What are some other ways to use VTS?

Taking Your Class Outside Most schools in the area have a school garden. These garden’s can be used for so much more than they are currently being used for. Studies show that students who learn outside retain the information gathered more effectively. I have also witnessed students engaging more quickly with the lessons when presented outside.

A great way to start thinking about using your garden is when learning about plants, but there are many other ways you can use your outdoor spaces.

Make a solar oven when doing energy.

Have students find the volume of dirt in the garden beds

What are some other ideas for taking your class outside?

Add a Creative Element to Your Lesson My thesis in grad school was about engaging both the left and right brain when planning lessons. When students were able to engage in a creative activity related to the topic after learning a concept they retained the information at an astoundingly higher rate.

Make your own Electromagnet

Relief Art

What are some other ideas for taking adding a creative element to your lesson?

Helpful websites design-resources.aspx design-resources.aspx

Thank You! Sarah Coles Education Director