Overview
This is our first class session of the new semester. (Via Zoom).
Our goals:
- Share an introductory lesson in historical thinking
- Get everyone started using WordPress
- Introduce Parlay – a tool for fostering discussion
- Introduce our first assignment – a chance to create your first WordPress post.
Class session
Our first lesson will explore the intersection of historical context and the role of background knowledge in constructing meaning. Students will work in teams to interpret a historical painting. Note: this is a task that requires background knowledge that the students likely lack. We will use two instructional strategies to make up for those deficiencies – summarizing and identifying similarities and differences. See Classroom Instruction That Works by Robert Marzano
Next we will get a quick introduction to Parlay a student discussion app. Then students will get an introduction to WordPress and an explanation of the first course assignment. While students collaborate via Parlay, the instructor will meet individually with students.
Assignment 1: What teaching methods engaged you as a student? | First post 21-A1
Your first post will be a written reflection on your experience as a high school history student. (Note: No images – we’ll learn about adding them to WordPress next week.)
Identify a learning experience that you found to be highly engaging / highly effective. Focus on the design elements that made it “work for you” (the tasks, goals, methods, sequence, resources, product, assessments, etc.) Not your interests or the talents of the teacher.
- Give your post a descriptive title.
- Write about 2 – 4 of the “design elements” (tasks, goals, methods, sequence, resources, product, assessments, etc.) Explain why they made the learning experience effective / engaging for you.
- Once you have published your post – read and comment on at least two of your classmates posts. Look for similarities or differences between posts and share them in your comments. Note: always log into the site, before posting comments.
Featured image from Canva