Today in our AEE 412 lab we did the problem solving
approach with our peers. I have to say
thus far this was the most fun and exciting lab for me as a facilitator to
do. One of my classes in the spring is
vet science 1. A unit within that course
is reproduction. I thought what better
way to introduce the reproduction unit than with a problem facing a fictional
local farmer in the area to the students!
I enjoyed creating the fictional document and using my creative juices
and passion for the dairy industry to create my problem solving approach.
At the beginning of lab I was a bit nervous though. I knew what I had created was a problem, but
would it work with my peers who had different levels of insight about
reproduction in cattle. Or would it be a
complete flop! Needless to say it wasn’t
a fail, but there was good and bad take aways from my lab presentation.
The GOOD
1. My
article was a hit! My students dove
right into the article and picked it apart
2. I
think I did a good job assigning stations to my students allowing them to get
there and then giving them directions on what was expected of them while at
that station.
3. During
their time at their post it note station I think I did a good job circulating
around the room interacting with my students and making sure they stayed on
track during the duration of the activity.
4. During
our time going over the post it note “what I want to learn” I think I did a
decent job giving student ownership to the terms they were unfamiliar with.
First giving them time, context clues, and the ability to stem off of what
their peers thought before I assisted with the word or moved on and stated we
would cover it more during the unit.
5. Teacher
Voice. Say it loud. Say it proud!
Areas of Improvement
1. Clarity. I struggled at the beginning of my lesson
stating what I expected my students to be doing.
2. When
I gave them the article about Farmer Fred I should have left it at that. After they read it fully I should have then
asked “so what do you think?
3. Let
my freak flag fly! Leading up to this
lab I was super stoked to present this lesson.
After watching my video I didn’t really show my deep underlying passion
for the dairy industry.
In conclusion I have definitely seen improvement in
myself in just the few short weeks so far.
Wednesdays are a bit nerve wracking but also fun! The problem solving approach is a bit
challenging to implement into a lesson, but doing it correctly I can certainly
see the engagement and purposefulness of it.
Mason, as always you portray such a strong presence in the classroom. Your teacher voice is always loud and proud and you manage the students well. I know the passion you have for the dairy industry so let that freak flag fly and be excited about it. The clarity piece is one that has progressed for you throughout the semester. Keep working on it but know it is improving.
ReplyDeleteMason,
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you had an awesome lesson! Letting that freak flag fly brings the students into a deeper appreciation for the topic. The students become more engaged when you are engaged. I was teaching on a topic that I got creative with as well! I wish I could have seen this lesson!
Mason,
ReplyDeleteVery engaging lesson! I think you did a fantastic job presenting a problem (well problems really) and I enjoyed the way that we broke down the email together as a class. In regards to presence, you have a natural teacher presence. I am always impressed by how you are able to intentionally single out students and monitor their progress. Clarity comes with time and practice, so keep up the good work!
Mason, I wish I could have joined in on your lab. I also struggle with preparing labs knowing my learner (peers) are at different knowledge levels for each topic. I think that will become easier when we have our own students and know what they are currently learning. Also I appreciate your admiration to create variability and really create a fun environment. Well done!!
ReplyDeleteMASON,
ReplyDeleteFirst off I just want you to know that it is a true gift to be in your lab. You have such a presence and every week you just keep getting better and better! You did a fantastic job when you asked the class to present the problem and try and figure out a solution. I was engaged the entire time (even though I had to act like the bully and not be interested)! But seriously keep up the great work and just know that all of us are with you!
Mason, I had the pleasure of watching your lesson on ThereNow. I gotta say, you do a fantastic job with directing students, keeping them on task, and you're engaging and enthusiastic. I think you really create a comfortable learning environment for students while still demanding respect as the teacher so kudos! Just a suggestion, you assigned students a giant post-it and then called on other students to add information to other ones. This worked well for you, but with a larger group of high school students I thought a gallery walk with small post-its could be effective. This would alleviate some stress of sharing out (since some students will be shy). Keep on rocking!
ReplyDelete