- This research project will allow you mix and match the elements of an effective lesson with the theorist(s) that supports the lesson element. Then using a summary section explain why lessons containing these elements are effective.
Part I - Mix and Match
Directions: Complete the table below.
Part II – Summary
Directions: Using your readings, classroom discussions and other sources, explain why each theorist supports each element of an effective lesson.
- Observe a lesson(s) in a school (please select a grade that interests you), and
complete the following activities:
- Note the elements of the lesson that are similar/missing from the lesson plan format presented below:
- Objectives are identified and help orient the students toward the purpose of the lesson.
- Review prerequisites skills.
- Present new material.
- Questions/learning probes throughout the lesson to determine if students understand the material.
- Provide independent practice.
- Assess performance and provide feedback.
- Provide Distributed Practice and Review
- Homework
- Review material presented in the next lesson(s)
- Compare and contrast what you observed from what is suggested above/course text using the Venn diagram below:
- After completing the Venn diagram above, complete the following activities:
- Discuss what was present in the lessons you observed and their effect on learning.
- Discuss what was neglected and discuss its effect on learning.
- If there was something in the lesson that was effective but not identified above, describe it and explain why it was effective.
- Please read the scenario and respond to the questions below.
Scenario
Schools today are involved in high stakes testing that not only evaluates student learning but also are used to assess the effectiveness of the entire school. As a result, schools are spending a great deal of time having teachers conduct lessons that prepare students for these standardized tests, and as a result, neglect using direct instruction.
Questions
Directions: refer to your readings, class discussions and other sources to
respond to the following questions:
- How does this emphasis on test preparation affect the use of direct instruction?
- How does this emphasis on test preparation affect meaningful learning?
- How does this emphasis on test preparation affect the ability of students to transfer the skills learned to other situations?
- How might this emphasis on test preparation affect whole class/small group instructions?
- Using your readings, class discussions and other resources design a lesson that uses the model of direct instruction to teach a concept like table, cake, nocturnal animals, rainforest, plateau or tragedy.
- Please read the scenario and respond to the questions below.
Scenario
Mr. James spent two days teaching his 8th grade class how to create a
protagonist who is a well developed character with feelings, conflicts and an interesting personality. They have read several stories with this type of protagonist and have completed several worksheet activities that effectively utilize character based graphic organizers. Mr. James has also used learning probes and assessment strategies (e.g., he collects both the worksheets and homework, grades them and returns the work in a timely fashion). On the fifth day, he has his students write a story with a well developed character(s). He finds that only three students out of twenty-eight were capable of completing this assignment with an appropriate, well developed character.
Questions
- According to your readings and discussions in class, what did his class fail to do with their learning. Why?
- What elements of direct instruction did Mr. James neglect to use in his lessons? Explain the reasons for each of your choices.
- How would you teach these character development lessons to ensure that your class could successfully complete the writing assignment? Include in this discussion how you would check for understanding during these series of lessons.
- You have a class of students (you have trained them well) who are organized and
for the most part self-reliant. Also, within this class you have several students
who are respected for their leadership skills and accomplishments. Write a
paper that describes how you might teach a topic in Social Studies (e.g., the Civil
War, the Founding Fathers, the First Thanksgiving or Gulf War). The key to
this paper is the ways you involve all your students and help them transfer this
information to the next, related topic.
