My initial reactions to this model are that I could see it being a good method to use for students to understand the purpose of activities that they are completing. Also, it could be useful for students to help teach other students concepts and work together to understand various ideas. I could see there being barriers if no students wanted to speak up and help coach each other and support each other. I think this could be modeled and taught by the teacher at the beginning of the year to avoid this problem.
I would attempt to use this model with my future students. I really like the video presented in the lecture where the teacher first modeled how students should think about main idea, ask questions, and predict, and then having students do the same with just a little scaffolding from the teacher. I could see myself using this method to teach reading just like the example provided. Also, I think it would work for teachers to only meet with reading groups such as the one in the video once or twice a week.
As far as implementing this method as a web-based module, I think there are several multimedia tools that could be used. Teachers could coach students through Voicethreads, Screen casting software, Elluminate, Voki, etc. Students could even in turn coach their peers by creating their own Voicethreads, Voki, etc. to discuss a certain topic. Also, if students were asking the same questions about a certain topic, teachers could create videos that explained the answers to the questions.
I think situated learning is a good approach that all teacher should be aware of. I have found that students are more engaged when the content is tied into something they can relate to. When it is real world experiences, they are more likely to see how they can use it in their real life.
ReplyDeleteI think it is a purposeful approach to learning. You made a good point about the possible barriers of students not taking on an active role with this model. In order for it to be effective, students would need to assume active roles within their groups. It may be more difficult for others to do this in an on-line environment as opposed to face to face.
ReplyDeleteVoicethreads are a great for implementing these models. Students can help each other, which will promote collaboration and prepare them for real-world job situations. Some students can develop management skills, while others can gain public speaking skills. These models are very interesting because they bring class content and job content together.
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