Synectics Model

Okay, talk about being confused. I was totally thrown off by this model. In fact, when learning about the other models I could automatically think of somewhere or some upcoming lesson that they would fit into within my class. The synectics model was not so easy. For this model I set down with my frameworks and co-worker (Jamie) in order to figure out what lesson I would teach using this model.

We determined that I could use it with a recently taught lesson on the skeletal system. So she walked me through the process and I took notes. Then I had to refer to my notes all throughout my lesson because this model would not sink into my head.

Going through this model with my students some found it fun, others confusing, and even a couple said it was boring. I just found that I had difficulty with the model as a whole which could have made it more difficult for my students to understand. I felt like we did go through the process and find a reasonable comparison between the two topics. It just didn't go exactly as I had visioned it in my head. The students were not able to read my mind on the answers that I was looking for, but it all worked out okay.

I am very glad that we are through having to record models. I am happy to announce that the problem-centered inquiry which helped me to incorporate C.G.I. into my classroom in now a weekly part of my lessons!

Problem-Centered Inquiry Model

I loved this!!! I used this model as a way to force me to implement and try a couple C.G.I. math problems. C.G.I. is Cognitively Guided Instruction. It is a hands-on problem centered inquiry method of teaching math.

For this lesson I gave the students a word problem, they were to determine what the problem was asking and choose the tools they wanted to use to solve the problem. The students were to draw and/or write how they solved the problem along with the answer. On the first problem the students did very well. I was so impressed to see the different ways that the students approached solving the problem. The second problem was harder, yet some of my students were still able to solve the problem. I was a little disappointed in a couple of my higher students not solving this problem. I felt that they were just being lazy because the problem was harder.

Overall, doing this for my video was really exciting. I finally dove in and tried using C.G.I. in my classroom. The results were really energizing. I am now planning to do a different type of C.G.I. problem in my classroom each Wednesday during our Math block.

Now, if only I can get myself to sit down and put together the videos into a Glover Production!

Concept Development Model

Okay, the concept development model was not quite as smooth for me as the concept attainment model. I was very excited however because Tuesday after we had class on Monday night I was able to change up a planned lesson to include the concept attainment model. We were studying rural and urban that week in Social Studies. So what I decided to do with the concept attainment model was to create a definition of "city" based on the students perspectives of a city. The lesson went very well until the end. When we went to put our descriptors into categories we kindof went staight to narrow categories that combined a lot of items so we only had to sort one time. We also had a little difficulty with the actual definition. It all worked out and the kids loved the lesson.

I think I can use some more practice with this model.

Concept Attainment Model

Wow, I finally remembered that I need to actually blog about my reflection. Not just think about it :) My lesson on the concept attainment model seemed to go pretty good. I used the model to introduce my students to the concept of herbiovores to be followed by a unit on herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores. The process of providing the students with examples of what they would be doing, I did not feel that it went as well as it could have. I had tried the lesson in a short version with a neighboring second grade class the day before. That class did not have any trouble with the example set nor the main set of comparisons. However, it took quite a bit of coaxing to get my students to identify what I was looking for in the sample set. I was very proud of how quickly they picked up on the main lesson, as to what characteristic all the positive examples had in common.

Even though my students do activities together, I really noticed through the recording of my class that they need to learn more skills on working collaboratively. In fact, since recording this lesson I have done two other activities that required them to work collaboratively and turn in one final product for their group and they have struggled to get along. They want to each do the work on their own and turn it in. This is an issue that we will definitely address with many lessons to come.

When watching Jamie's video in class, I noticed that I did not actually take the time to list the attributes that the positives had in common. I think that may have been a good idea. But once I reflect a little more, I did in a way do that when I wrote the definition of a herbivore on the board during one of our closing activities. I am not sure if this were okay or not. In a sense I think everyone is going to have their own perspective on the actual looks of steps. So maybe I covered it, but I do like the way that Jamie made the list as the lesson progressed. Next time I do a lesson of this manner I believe I will make note to create a list of the attributes of the concept with the class, during the lesson.

Finally Back Again!

Okay, I am finally back to my blog site. Wow, it's been quite a while. As stressful as this school year has been so far (and we are only in the second full week), I think having a place to reflect and express my thoughts will be great for me. I don't know why I only do this when Dr. Hebert makes me, it is something I really need to find time for.

Excited :) Sad :( Nervous :?

I am so excited today!! I learned today that I will be teaching 2nd grade this year!! I had sent an email to my administration at the beginning of the summer stating that I was interested in changing grade levels because my future career goals include working my way into administration and I felt like I needed experiences in other grades besides just Kindergarten. They replied that we did not have any openings, so I thought that would be the end of it and I would continue teaching Kindergarten.

I received a phone call Monday afternoon from my Principal asking me to come over and meet with her on Wednesday. She said that she would like to discuss my email about changing teaching positions but that she did not want me to tell anyone why I was meeting with her. That left me all day Tuesday to wonder what would happen in our meeting. Today I went in and met with her, she offered me a position teaching 2nd grade. . .which I obviously accepted:) She too felt that this would be a good career move for me in order to gain other experiences.

After meeting with her I felt so excited and bubbly that I could barely contain myself. At the same time I felt sad and nervous. I felt sad because by moving to 2nd grade I am breaking up the final part of the "3 Musketeers". Lesley, Jamie and I have worked in Kindergarten together for the past 3 1/2 years and we work sooooo good together that people started calling us the "3 Musketeers". Lesley began our break-up by taking a job at the school where her children attend (which is totally understandable). Now by moving forward in pursuit of my career goals I have left the final "Musketeer" alone in Kindergarten with 2 new teachers to train and for that I am sad :( I know that Jamie will do a great job of "breaking in" the two new teachers, it will just be so different for all of us. However, I am sure that the 3 of us will remain close even if we aren't all teaching in the same hallway or even school!

At the same time I am nervous because I have taught Kindergarten for the past 3 1/2 years and had pretty much got settled in and comfortable with what I was doing. Now I turned that comfort upside down to explore and learn a whole new set of frameworks!!! I know that I will do a great job this year, I also know that my two new grade level partners will be there to help me out as I learn my new position.

I am also soooo anxious to get my current room packed up and move into my new room. However, I have to put those plans on hold until Monday :( Tomorrow our faculty is doing a day retreat which I will be attending, I will then be picked up by my family at the conference center and leave from there to Branson. We are going to Branson for the weekend to do back-to-school shopping!!!

Okay, now that I got all that off my chest. . .I am going to attempt to go to sleep (AGAIN!!).

Presentation Relief!

We had class today for us to present our finished products. We share our web pages, our web quests, and our movies as well as gave everyone copies of our newsletters and business cards. I thought that everyone did such a great job, I really enjoyed getting to watch everyone's movies. It feels so good to have that out of the way!

I am exhausted because my 2 year old daughter ended up having to come to class with me and it wore me out trying to keep her quite for all the presentations. In fact, she was so tired when we go home that she went straight to sleep! I would love to lay down with her but we have to go pick up my two sons from Spainish camp by 3:00 so it would only make me more tired.

Only one hurdle left. . .the final!