Archive for September 2011

Online Resources

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I found a few interesting sites in the course of my research for this weeks assignment. I truly hope that my contribution is useful to my classmates. Both articles I found on the Walden University ERIC database.

The first article The Effects of Brain-Based Learning on the Academic Achievement of Students with Different Learning Styles. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the effects of Brain-based learning (BBL) on the academic achievement of students with different learning styles. The study group consists of students from the department of Social Sciences Teacher Education in the Faculty of Education at Mugla University (N=68). In the study, a pre-test-post-test experimental design was used. Data were collected by using academic achievement tests and the Kolb's Experiential Learning Style questionnaire. The findings of the study revealed that the BBL approach used in the experimental group was more effective in increasing student achievement than the traditional approach used in the control group. However, no significant difference was observed among the achievement levels of the experimental group students with different learning styles. (Duman 2010)

I essentially chose this article because I thought it was appropriate discussion to bring up given the context of this course as well as, my profession as an educator. As an educator, knowing how are students learn is a key component to how an instruction should be delivered. Dr. Ormrod reminded us that “You have to know what people are thinking; not only what they’re thinking, but how they’re thinking about it” (Laureate Education, Inc., 2009). This study identifies the different learning styles of students and took a practical approach to instruction to maximize student achievement in the classroom. The results speak for itself. It worked. Knowing how the students learned benefitted the instructor as well as, the students in the long run.

References

Duman, B. (2010). The Effects of Brain-Based Learning on the Academic Achievement of Students with Different Learning Styles. Educational Sciences: Theory and Practice, 10(4), 2077-2103. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.

Laureate Education, Inc. Dr. J. Ormrod (2009). An Introduction to Learning (Video).





The article Integrating Whole Brain Teaching Strategies to Create a More Engaged Learning Environment. In today's postmodern society, it is getting harder and harder to get the students engaged in classroom instruction and learning. The purpose of this research project was to seek ways to create a more engaged learning environment for the students. The teacher-researcher integrated the most current educational reform "Whole Brain Teaching" method in classroom instruction and management for one whole week of research. It continued on to the succeeding weeks up until the present time. There were 26 fifth graders participated in this study. (Palasigue 2009)

Palasigue integrated what he learned from a seminar class on Whole Brain Teaching formally known as "Power Teaching" into the classroom. He set aside a full week of school to introduce his students to this new concept and Palasigue saw immediate positive results. The same students who he saw week one who doodled, fell asleep, fidgeted, said "I'm bored" were not exhibiting those behaviors we he took over the class during his student teaching experience. As a reflective practitioner I commend Palasigue for his innovative thinking and not being afraid to try something new.

References

Palasigue, J. (2009). Integrating Whole Brain Teaching Strategies to Create a More Engaged Learning Environment. Online Submission, Retrieved from EBSCOhost.


Useful Resources

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I am constantly trying to keep with the sheer amount of technology that is being used in the classroom as well as keeping up to date with various methods of instruction when teaching content to my social studies students. The first website that I have come across that I believe is very useful is SAS Curriculum Pathways. The website offers interactive digital lesson plans, maps, tests, quizzes, and art galleries in every core subject area. These include English, Social Studies, Math, Science, and even Spanish taught from grades six through twelve. The teacher can set up an account and then have their students set up accounts as well that are linked to the teachers account. The teacher can then monitor the students progress through the interactive lesson plans with comes complete with an assessment at the end to see if learning has actually occurred.




The next website that I have come across is edomodo.com. Edomodo.com is a "Edmodo is a free and secure social learning network for teachers, students and schools. Edmodo provides classrooms a safe and easy way to connect and collaborate, offering a real-time platform to exchange ideas, share content, and access homework, grades and school notices" (Emodo, 2011). This technology can be accessed from any mobile (i.e. smart phone application, I Pad). Edmodo offers anytime and anyplace  learning allowing teachers to collaborate with other teachers and their students across the world in real time. I can post discussion topics, grade and post assignments, share ideas with colleagues, store information in the library, and create and award student badges for targeted behaviors.  It is a great tool to use. I use this with all of my classes. The parents love it because they can see the exact time and date that child has turned in their homework assignment, as well as keep abreast of classroom discussions and materials presented at any given time.




Lastly, I came across a blog on blogspot.com that I had to absolutely subscribe to once I read the first post. The website is teachpaperless.blogspot.com "TeachPaperless began in February 2009 as a blog detailing the experiences of one teacher in a paperless classroom. It has grown to be something much more than that. In January 2011, TeachPaperless became a collaboratively written blog dedicated to conversation and commentary about the intertwined worlds of digital technology, new media, and education" (TeachPaperless . 2011). Teachpaperless has won numerous awards from Edublog in 2009.  This particular blog has 21st Century classroom idea links section, bookmarks to favorite posts, Teach Paperless Wikis section, a education podcast section, Education Blogs section, upcoming events and webinars section as well as host of other features. Teachpaperless currently has twelve contributing editors to the blog itself. As an educator, this site is useful in that the blogs and information that are posted are credible and useful. The information can be used in my classroom immediately. Whether is a technology based blog, or a blog that covered the SOS rally in Washington D.D. my students and I can make meaningful discussion on the many numerous blogs that are posted to this site.