1. I am going to implement Marzano's daily, opportunistic and extended strategies I learned from, the book The Highly Engaged Classroom!
2. I had heard about and used RubiStar when doing my undergrad but had since forgotten about it. I can't remember who it was that brought this back to my attention but it was one of you and I am so grateful! Rubrics are so important for providing specific feedback and clear expectations.
3. Now that I know how to blog I am going to create a class blog that my students will be able to use.
4. This course has also made it easier to utilize the partners in our community. I am going to team up with Sanitation District 1 to teach my students about water pollution and prevention methods.
5. My students are definitely going to do a service learning project this year. This is something I have been interested in but didn't know a lot about before this class. Now I already have a plan and thanks to our blogs I have lots of ideas for other service learning projects!
It looks like you are really planning to change a lot of things in your classroom as a result of this course. Although I know next year the basic curriculum and format will be the same in my class, I think I have realized through this course that there is definitely more that I can do to make the curriculum more engaging. I had the exact same thought as you when I saw the Rubistar website. "I remember that, but why haven't I used it?" I honestly think the only time I have used it is when I have had to create unit plans for classes that I have taken. So much of our work in first grade is not really graded. The rubrics would be a perfect way of explaining exactly what is required to the students, especially with writing, projects, and even behavior. I will be using this resource more as well. I also agree with your thoughts on the service learning project. I have heard many people talking about such a project but never really knew what it entailed. Now I have a plan and know that a service learning project is something my students can do and as a result will benefit greatly. Good luck implementing your new ideas next year!
ReplyDeleteI loved all the items you listed as well. I also want to use a blog daily, partners in the community, and the Rubistar as well! I think that the increase in technology is something Dr. Bonk and Dr. Wirtz strongly advocate. I think this will help engage learners. I also read the book by Marzano and he encourages authentic learning like service learning. I think that children will make real connections to service learning projects and will retain even more information.
ReplyDeleteLike you I have enjoyed the blogs and learned a great deal! Enjoy your summer.