Jill+B

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The CEI incorporates all the necessary elements for a productive lesson. Students, when this method is used, will be engaged and will learn (with a higher %) the concept presented. My lessons will take more time to write (at the beginning), but will become easier as I practice and repeat the lesson plan process. I think START will show that my students will learn and retain more information more readily. I hope that I've had pieces of START in lessons that I've written and taught over the years, but having a template and framework will ensure that I use each part of the method faithfully. I will definitely keep the template in front of me for using while writing lessons this year. =====

August 3, 2010

Formative assessment is essential! It should be continuous and specific and individual. It is a partnership between the student and teacher. Students need to know what the teacher's goal is so that they can self-assess their learning. Formative assessment is motivating for the student and gives the student more information on what they know and don't know in a non threatening way because it is ungraded. It allows the student the opportunity to take more responsibility for their own learning. The teacher's role is crucial. S/he needs to provide a stress-free environment, be aware of each student's needs, and respond accordingly in order for the student to make progress. If adjustments aren't made to instruction after formative assessment, then absolutely nothing has been gained or accomplished. Feedback is crucial.

August 4, 2010

I think it's important to use all of the quadrants of R and R in lessons. While writing lessons, it's important to keep these quadrants in mind, so that lessons flow between them. Teaching for Learner Differences, as a special education teacher, is something that I've been working on with teachers for many, many years. It is imperative that we look at each and every student and structure lessons that are inclusive. One way to make sure that each student's needs are being met is to make sure your classroom is student-centered. All of these strategies are important in order to provide the best experience for all students.

 August 5, 2010

 CEI-Teaching for Undestanding makes so much sense! Why else would you teach if not for long term comprehension? I do think to do this well means lots of planning and thinking before presenting ideas and activities to students-but the outcome (student understanding and comprehenson), will, in the long run, be a time saver because there will be less need for returning to old topics for review. Teaching for transfer is so important. Teachers tend to think of their classrooms as little fiefdoms and need to realize that what thy're teaching should be taught with transfer in mind. If lessons are designed this way from the get-go, then it makes it easier.