Buenas tatdes!
Yesterday was a crazy day. I got to school early to print my lesson plan and handouts for my classes but the internet was down in the village so I couldn't access my cloud drive online. I had an early morning freak out session and then remembered I could tether my phone to my computer to access my drive...technology: can't live with it or without it! Crisis number one of the day was an easy fix.
Dr. Rivera came to observe my 5th block. Since I had such a heavy lecture last week, I decided to break down the last two sections of the chapter we're working on, grouped my students in groups of 3 or 4, and assigned each group a small section in the chapter to read and outline key points on a guided outline I provided them. After the groups outlined their key points, each group presented their section to the class. Originally, I wanted the rest of the class to take notes during the presentations but I learned quickly that it wouldn't work out for the amount of time we had in class. My quick solution was to just have each group present their information to the class and then I had them turn in their outlines so I could consolidate all the groups' outlines into one and will distribute the consolidated outline in our next class meeting.
My students were particularly rowdy yesterday. I don't know what it was but there were a few groups who wanted to talk about everything and anything under the sun--except what we were studying. It was so tiring trying to keep them on task.
After the group presentations, we did a snowball activity. Each student was instructed to write down one thing they learned from the sections we covered in class and one question they had regarding the sections we covered. Then we formed a circle around the classroom, crumpled each paper, threw them around for a minute, and then read each one aloud. It was somewhat chaotic but it was manageable.
I definitely need to try assigning groups instead of letting students choose their own groups. I didn't want to do this at first because I can just imagine the time that will be wasted while the students complain about their group members. Also, most groups stay on task even when they choose their own groups....I only have issues with one or two groups in each block I teach.
Anyone have any alternatives to lecturing that have worked well in your classrooms?
When it comes to lecturing, I always try to keep it light and fun with a lot of visuals. I always use humor in all of my lectures because it keeps the students engaged and focused. I also try to use anecdotes as often as possible so that they can relate it to something they're familair with.
ReplyDeleteAssigning groups effectively takes practice. What I have found was that most students care about their grades enough, so that they can overcome any initial complaints they may have with their group mates. Random selection and knowing your students will allow you to create better groups as well.
ReplyDeleteTo answer your questions, you can have the students read the content and present it in class. You can split up the workload into different chapter sections and have them all responsible for each sections vocabulary, main points, etc.