Many of my high school students have facebook , myspace, twitter, and other accounts. In the classroom I enjoy having my students collaborate and cooperate with each other about different topics and situations. At this level many students are willing to work with others, but some are not. This is where planning engaging activities helps. As time goes by we build a small community of respecting each other and working together.
Integrating technology is a great tool that may be used to expand their knowledge, and create curiosity in searching and learning. The tools are not always available, but the key is to work with what I have and keep on learning.
Chapter 7 offers various web resources. As a foreign language teacher I liked keypals. It should be great to communicate and learn from others around the world. Safety is always an issue, that’s why I believe parents should be involved.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD
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sra. Pedroza,
ReplyDeleteI teacher in an inclusion 4th grade classroom and also have students who flourish working in groups and those that are independent learners and prefer to work alone. A few years ago I experimented with allowing student choice. I previewed the assignment with the class and then allowed the students to decide if they would like to work alone, with a partner, or in a small group. The only direction I gave is that everyone had to feel like a wanted member of a group. If someone wanted to work with a partner or group, they were to be invited into one. There are still projects that I assign or require working in groups, however, when appropriate I allow students to choose. Do you think your students would be receptive to this idea? As a learner I always enjoy working in groups, so I like to use group work frequently in my teaching.
Courtney
Courtney,
ReplyDeleteSometimes I give them the option, but others I assign them a partner, just to make sure they all get an opportunity to work with different students other than just their friends.
Planning engaging activities is an important part of working together. I also believe that it is important that students learn that they don't always get to choose who they work with. After graduating high school and entering college and the work force they are going to quickly find out that there isn't choice in this matter. By placing children in diverse groupings, we can help them to become flexible and open to new people.
ReplyDeleteI also thought keypals sounded like a great idea! Also, what an authentic way to challenge your students to write more in their foreign language.