In the middle of student teaching at the moment, and I'm looking for some theory or books or talks or something from forward thinking sources. Noticing a lot of antiquated methods. I don't agree with them but I don't have the theory to put it into words or think of new methods.

Anyone have any suggestions? Particularly in the use of rubrics or assessments/grading.

Thanks in advance

  • TankieDukakis [none/use name]
    ·
    4 years ago

    It's less learning about theories right now since I'm in student teaching, it's more the use of lecturing/rubrics/consistent assessment/etc that feels wrong.

    I feel like it's an endless loop of kids "listening" to lectures, not retaining information, doing poorly on whatever quiz/test or doing well and not learning much. And then when FFA (intra curricular student organization within Ag), they have little autonomy or willingness to be creative.

    Just feel like there's a better way/system but not sure how to articulate it.

    • MukbangersBall [she/her]
      ·
      4 years ago

      Oh! Cooperative learning strategies! Read Lave and Wenger. They talk about social learning systems that work on a novice-expert relationship system. Then, Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal development is a classic read for this stuff. I would also recommend the use of Spencer Kagan’s Cooperative Learning structures.

      Basically, learning is a social activity and the context in which you’re teaching is a lot of traditional methods. By embracing cooperative learning, you’re going back to that social learning piece. But, when teaching that way, Behavior Management systems, consistency, and clear expectations is KEY. Otherwise, it’s a free-for-all; the kids think it’s social hour. I would also argue that traditional tests are bullshit, and you should utilize open book/note exams because part of reading comprehension is being able to remember where on the page you found something. I would also recommend trying to incorporate research-based reading, writing, and learning strategies. You can find lists on the internet, use the website “Reading Rockets,” or consult most teaching textbooks.

      Some strategies to look into (grade level dependent):

      • Social Justice projects
      • Problem-based research or inquiry
      • Play-based Learning
      • Gamified Learning
      • Kagan Cooperative Learning Structures
      • Socratic Seminar
      • Flipped classrooms

      If you give me more specific examples of the types of activities/content you’re trying to work with, I can give you specific strategies. I am a reading specialist/curriculum instructor by trade. This is my jam haha

      • TankieDukakis [none/use name]
        ·
        4 years ago

        Thanks for the great info! I totally agree with all your points.

        Some context on where I'm at:

        I teach mostly 9-12 agriculture with 7-8 exploratory agriculture once a day. Topics being taught now include natural resources, plant science, animal science, etc. Typical class looks like reading instructions for an activity from one of the larger curriculum resources (CASE if you're familiar at all) and completing this activity which could be a lab or a worksheet. Now CASE does a better job with experiential learning than some curriculum I've seen but it still seems monotonous and less participatory than I'd like.

        School where I'm at for reference is 70% at-risk, mostly white. I forget what it's called but the 80-15-5 rule with interventions is pretty consistent but I feel like the engagement in my classes is lacking. I can't change a whole lot since I'm just student teaching, but I'll be full load here in a few weeks.

        I'm also making a curriculum focused on agricultural communication for my creative component. Now, this is more lecture heavy (I don't know how else to teach AP style for example), but the assessments/activities are more authentic IMO. The main assessments are: news article, opinion article, audience analysis stuff, photoessay, video essay, podcast).

        • MukbangersBall [she/her]
          ·
          4 years ago

          That all sounds so cool! I love that you’re incorporating multimodal writing (i.e. using video, audio, and visual modes of communicating). I think a problem-based project or social justice component would naturally fit VERY well into this structure and would be highly engaging for your students! That to me is where you’re project is leading. Kelly Gallagher is an author that would suit your teaching style really well (though he is for writing, specifically). With problem-based learning, you’re giving the kids a genre of topic (i.e. natural resources, plant science, animal science, etc), and then they look to see what problems they notice in their community. Then, they start to ask “why do those problems” exist, and they come up with solutions to them. This also wouldn’t be too outlandish to apply in a student teaching scenario. You can fit it in with the curriculum you’re using, but would just need to adapt the curriculum to be more community based, if that makes sense.