Five Instructional Resources/Strategies used in my Science Classroom
Fellow educators at Washoe County School District have shared many resources and strategies for us to use in the classroom that allow our students to make meaningful connections between class concepts and real-life situations (2015). We use strategies to encourage independent learning so that students become more efficient. Just as Kellough and Kellough mention, "no single shoe fits all" and not all students learn the same way, so it is very important to me to differentiate my instruction to reach at students at their level while teaching them new material and skills (2011).
- Cooperative learning is a method of instruction in which small groups work together (peer-to-peer or small group) to combine classroom experiences and prior knowledge with real life experiences. The purpose of cooperative learning is to make each group member stronger as individuals. Students learn together so that they can perform at a higher level as individuals.
- Formative assessments are conducted before, during, and after the learning process in order to modify my teaching activities and methods to improvement student learning and attainment. This assessment process helps to build students' metacognition and increase students' motivation. Common examples used in my classroom are brief summaries, quick-writes, reflections, short quizzes, and graphic organizers.
- Graphic organizers are used as a visual/graphic display that depicts the relationship between facts, concepts, and ideas. The organizers can improve learning when instruction, teacher modeling, and independent practice are used with feedback. Examples used in my classroom include concept maps, Venn diagrams, and T-charts.
- Project-based learning is a method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for extended periods of time to investigate and respond to a problem. Students understand science with hands-on learning. Students will learn to use technology tools to research, analyze, and create their projects. They will have more choices on how they complete their projects. We can also integrate learning with other classrooms to complete our projects.
- Science journals will be kept so that students can simulate real scientists. Journals are a way for students to observe, write, collect data, and document essential information. When students are able to journal their thoughts and ideas, they are actively engaged in their own learning and have the opportunity to reflect on what they are learning.
Fellow educators at Washoe County School District have shared many resources and strategies for us to use in the classroom that allow our students to make meaningful connections between class concepts and real-life situations (2015). We use strategies to encourage independent learning so that students become more efficient. Just as Kellough and Kellough mention, "no single shoe fits all" and not all students learn the same way, so it is very important to me to differentiate my instruction to reach at students at their level while teaching them new material and skills (2011).