I was lucky enough to 1) Find your write up- on a first attempt! (For others I am to review- I was not so well guided!) So First let me say- THANK YOU!
2) Lucky again to be able to read your BLOG Topic on A whole new Mind! I had not chosen to read this book, at the start of my time with TEAM, so being able to get a glimpse into its topics is wonderful. So thanks again for that!
What I have done to make, making connections easier on your write up is - COPY and PASTING your write up here again and adding in to it, my two cents, in - between the aspects of the whole new mind, that you brained stormed about:
Design -
Design can cover many aspects of my curriculum and can stimulate creativity. Design an experiment to test a questions or problem. Design an energy efficient product or solution to pollution. Design a new method of pest control.
What do you think- the majority of your student population would want to design? Do you think this "system" of thought promotion- can lead students to taking the time to "dig" deeper in their "Design phase" and seek more variables that could effect their design?
Story – “context enriched by emotion”. I can present students with current issues relating to science and have them make decisions about these problems. Ex: Should pregnant women that abuse alcohol and drugs be punished? Should stem cell research be allowed? I can also initiate projects in which students create photostories, movies, raps, poems, paintings that illustrate important concepts from class.
A wonderful direction you have chosen here! Ethics are a big issue many students try to tackle. I think you questioning is "Spot - On!"
Symphony –
Relationships and Connections. Bring in interdisciplinary lessons that connect to lessons learned in other classes. I can connect to math and probabilities, graphing, and formulas for generating data. I can take environmental issues and research concerns and apply them to social studies. We can use our language classes and travel to ecosystems throughout the world. I should connect to classrooms throughout the world to create relationships with students that are different than us.
Symphony- What comes to my mind here is many working as one. You have this concept down pat- One thing I do not see though is actual REAL WORLD application- getting students hands dirty? As a science teacher using technology as you do- please do not forget to use all the resources that Mother Nature provides us as well. Remember to unplug your class from time to time and go play in a puddle--- Wave formation, Water based erosion, Water seeking the path of least resistance- and all that... Real and Virtual Reality can also work in a Symphony!
Empathy- To help students take on the roles and be understanding of others in the world, we can make connections with science classes outside of New York through blogs and through EEVC. I can create role play activities and link these activities to issues and decision making.
No matter what the age a student is- Empathy is truly a lesson to be learned. How best to understand those around us, is best understood by placing ourselves in other "shoes". I agree with you on this one completely.
The taking of digital pictures- on a typical day in the life of a student- also offers a powerful lesson on empathy and Symphony. Using Powerpoint and a digital camera with students and parents (this way it acts as a sign off to do the project), generating social awareness becomes a CLASS and a family experience.
Play- I can use video games to help teach, the computer, technology, and bring students on field trips and bring them outside the walls of the classroom. Give students games to play to review for tests and even have them design their own.
Just like little kids- we need to PLAY too. It offers our minds- that have so much on them at any one time- a time to RELAX- enough said!
Meaning - I will help the students find meaning in the subject by applying biology to aspects of life that interest them. I will give them opportunities to discover what interests them by providing choices on projects and assignments. Students usually take interest in certain topics like disease and the human body and I will make special efforts to emphasize these topics to their interests.
Meaning is crucial- connecting prior knowledge to new information can make or break any lesson! Understanding how all these pieces can fit together, and make learning and comprehending what we have learned applicable- is what I think A whole New Mind, is all about.
You've got it down, Dana. Great ideas. I find it exciting that we can add these senses to our teaching. For those like you, who teach very fact-based subjects, it takes a creative mind to incorporate all the senses that reflect r-brained thinking. Your students are fortunate to have you!
Reading your blog has made me think about picking up the book; I chose Schools That Learn. Aside from that, I think it's fascinating the way you shared your ideas about applying what you've read into your classes. I like the multi-disciplinary aspects. As of now no suggestions, but if I come up with one or a few, I'll send them your way :)
Your ideas are fabulous Dana! I know you asked US to help you brainstorm, but my suggestion to you is to explain the six traits to your students and ask them to offer suggestions on how to help them learn. I'd be interested in hearing their responses and unique ideas, since they are the kids you're trying to reach through teaching.
5 comments:
Dana,
I was lucky enough to 1) Find your write up- on a first attempt! (For others I am to review- I was not so well guided!) So First let me say- THANK YOU!
2) Lucky again to be able to read your BLOG Topic on A whole new Mind! I had not chosen to read this book, at the start of my time with TEAM, so being able to get a glimpse into its topics is wonderful. So thanks again for that!
What I have done to make, making connections easier on your write up is - COPY and PASTING your write up here again and adding in to it, my two cents, in - between the aspects of the whole new mind, that you brained stormed about:
Design -
Design can cover many aspects of my curriculum and can stimulate creativity. Design an experiment to test a questions or problem. Design an energy efficient product or solution to pollution. Design a new method of pest control.
What do you think- the majority of your student population would want to design? Do you think this "system" of thought promotion- can lead students to taking the time to "dig" deeper in their "Design phase" and seek more variables that could effect their design?
Story –
“context enriched by emotion”. I can present students with current issues relating to science and have them make decisions about these problems. Ex: Should pregnant women that abuse alcohol and drugs be punished? Should stem cell research be allowed? I can also initiate projects in which students create photostories, movies, raps, poems, paintings that illustrate important concepts from class.
A wonderful direction you have chosen here! Ethics are a big issue many students try to tackle. I think you questioning is "Spot - On!"
Symphony –
Relationships and Connections. Bring in interdisciplinary lessons that connect to lessons learned in other classes. I can connect to math and probabilities, graphing, and formulas for generating data. I can take environmental issues and research concerns and apply them to social studies. We can use our language classes and travel to ecosystems throughout the world. I should connect to classrooms throughout the world to create relationships with students that are different than us.
Symphony- What comes to my mind here is many working as one. You have this concept down pat- One thing I do not see though is actual REAL WORLD application- getting students hands dirty?
As a science teacher using technology as you do- please do not forget to use all the resources that Mother Nature provides us as well.
Remember to unplug your class from time to time and go play in a puddle--- Wave formation, Water based erosion, Water seeking the path of least resistance- and all that...
Real and Virtual Reality can also work in a Symphony!
Empathy-
To help students take on the roles and be understanding of others in the world, we can make connections with science classes outside of New York through blogs and through EEVC. I can create role play activities and link these activities to issues and decision making.
No matter what the age a student is- Empathy is truly a lesson to be learned. How best to understand those around us, is best understood by placing ourselves in other "shoes". I agree with you on this one completely.
The taking of digital pictures- on a typical day in the life of a student- also offers a powerful lesson on empathy and Symphony. Using Powerpoint and a digital camera with students and parents (this way it acts as a sign off to do the project), generating social awareness becomes a CLASS and a family experience.
Play- I can use video games to help teach, the computer, technology, and bring students on field trips and bring them outside the walls of the classroom. Give students games to play to review for tests and even have them design their own.
Just like little kids- we need to PLAY too. It offers our minds- that have so much on them at any one time- a time to RELAX- enough said!
And you thought I had left some stuff out....
Dana,
Here is the rest...
Meaning -
I will help the students find meaning in the subject by applying biology to aspects of life that interest them. I will give them opportunities to discover what interests them by providing choices on projects and assignments. Students usually take interest in certain topics like disease and the human body and I will make special efforts to emphasize these topics to their interests.
Meaning is crucial- connecting prior knowledge to new information can make or break any lesson! Understanding how all these pieces can fit together, and make learning and comprehending what we have learned applicable- is what I think A whole New Mind, is all about.
Great Job Dana!
All my best- Gordon
You've got it down, Dana. Great ideas. I find it exciting that we can add these senses to our teaching. For those like you, who teach very fact-based subjects, it takes a creative mind to incorporate all the senses that reflect r-brained thinking. Your students are fortunate to have you!
Reading your blog has made me think about picking up the book; I chose Schools That Learn. Aside from that, I think it's fascinating the way you shared your ideas about applying what you've read into your classes. I like the multi-disciplinary aspects. As of now no suggestions, but if I come up with one or a few, I'll send them your way :)
Your ideas are fabulous Dana! I know you asked US to help you brainstorm, but my suggestion to you is to explain the six traits to your students and ask them to offer suggestions on how to help them learn. I'd be interested in hearing their responses and unique ideas, since they are the kids you're trying to reach through teaching.
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