How can you determine if a new process or program is working? In addition to Composition, I teach Biology for our local Co-op. I’m testing a new method. In the past, when I teach Biology or Life Science, I include detailed comparisons of nine phyla in the animal kingdom. Usually, I start with a slideshow, assign some coloring page, such as this planaria and move on. This year, the kids are doing paper dissections, such as this Planaria Anatomy Craft, rather than a coloring sheet. The kids are making detailed polymer clay models, too. How do we know if this is working? After all, I’m investing a lot of time on projects. I asked the kids to tell me what they remembered about Phylum Porifera and Phylum Cnidaria. They made lists. Guess what? They remembered nearly everything. Okay, we had to review a few terms, such as nematocyst and Coelenterata. No problem! However, the kids are absorbing more by tracing, studying, and labeling diagrams and paper dissections.
If you are unsure if a new method works, stop and ask your child a few questions. If you are using manipulatives for Math, ask the child to show you how to use the manipulative for a new, math problem. Why are we making a time line? Their answers will help you decide if the method works. As another example, if you want your child to read a book, watch the movie, and write a comparison paper, first ask the kid a few questions. Did you think the movie captured the book well? Why? Why not? Was the movie faithful to the book’s characters? Which did you enjoy more? Why? Compare the resulting written essay with some of the child’s other writing. Does this essay have more depth? Sometimes success can be measured in a child’s willingness to do the assignment. You shouldn’t pander exclusively to their interests. However the resulting work is better when the child is engaged.
No comments:
Post a Comment