Chapter 5 – Preparing Your Active Learning Classroom
I loved this chapter because it really helped me to develop a picture in my mind of what an inquiry classroom might look like. The other day I observed in just such a classroom. The teacher provided students with the opportunity to self select their group based upon their interest in learning about several historical figures. Once in the groups the students began asking their questions, they began wondering about what they wanted to learn. From here the children began their research. Around the room were books, printed articles, and computers with bookmarked sites from which the children could do their research. Once the students finished their research, the room had a variety of materials to use for their presentation of the information to their classmates.
What struck me most were the questions that the students were generating for their research. Because they were so invested in their projects, they were on target and I bet that the children are going to learn and retain what they learn better than if the teacher had shared a power point or some other venue to give the information to them. The children reminded me of Einstein as they were “passionately curious” in their topics and will eventually share their knowledge with their classmates.
If I were a classroom teacher I imagine that giving this type of control to the students could be a bit scary. I would wonder about all students being able to be independent enough to follow through on such a task. Please share your thoughts about students’ curiosity in their learning place as the underpinning for lesson development in an active learning classroom.
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Lee, I am so happy to hear that your projects are showing such progress and that the students really are learning. When will they present them? I want to see this.
ReplyDeleteYesterday I visited Lee's ELT time and there were so many students who had made the choice to come to her room to work on their inquiry projects. The variety of projects was amazing and the students were so amazing.
ReplyDeleteSue, some of my Block 2 will present tomorrow (Friday) during our Afternoon Meeting time (probably 2 groups). 12:30?? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteFirst graders are definitely curious! They wonder about all kinds of things! I'm starting to get it now after reading this chapter. I love the part about short text collections, lots of visuals, graphics and videos and kids magazines to aid the inquiry process. These kinds of things can spark their questions and also be a resource for finding out the answers, even for the kids who are not proficient readers. I think a lot of us at BBES follow the 10 principles outlined in this chapter, but I know that for myself, I need to put it all together so that I can go to the next level.
ReplyDeleteWell,the students started presenting their inquiry circle results yesterday and I have to say that overall, I am excited! They researched their own questions and presented the information in a variety of ways from posters to dioramas, to powerpoints to an ABC book of answers. They were not always able to get answers to their questions (which we talked about as being part of the whole process) but I feel that they learned more about the Revolutionary figures that I could have ever taught them. One thing I did learn is the need to guide the group formation a little more. Although I was pleasantly surprised by the ability of some of my "scattered" but strong students to excel in this task, we also had some very real challenges with one or two of the groups in terms of ability to work together and share responsibilities. This is where I will need to exert some input the next time we do this:).
ReplyDeleteLee and Beth, I am sorry that I missed the presentations and look forward to more in the future.
ReplyDeleteBeth, your questions about group choice and teacher direction are valid ones. There must be an evolution in the process of group selection because I am certain that younger students need a lot more direction when it comes to group selection as that as children maure they learn about working together in groups. It is just great to observe that you are providing children with these opportunities. Our jobs always are a work in progress.