I tend to learn best from watching/viewing others. I like to get samples of what others are doing and then adapt them based on what will work best and fit into my classroom. Therefore, I will need to gather resources and ideas from other teachers in my building, district and possibly search the internet for ideas out there.
I might also need time to go in and observe a class that is completing a similar task or doing something that I might want to adapt. As I stated, I learn best from seeing and doing. It is usually difficult for me to just hear someone talk about something and then implement it into my classroom.
In addition, I will also need some of my colleagues time. Once I have implemented my GAME plan, I would like some outside input. Therefore, I would like them to come in and observe my class to give me advice and input on how to make the lessons more effective. Working as a team of freshmen teachers, it might also be possible to create a cross-curricular project. This way, for instance, if I am doing a project with the science teacher, they could be in my classroom observing the lesson while also assisting with the science part of the project. Our freshmen team has all true 9th graders and therefore, students could create one product and get a grade for math and science.
What does everyone else think? Has anyone done any cross-curricular projects like this before? If so, what went well and what didn’t? Do you have any advice?
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Melissa, I am a history teacher and have done a cross-curricular project with an English teacher before. She was discussing the Illiad and the Odyssey at the same time I was teaching Greek and Roman history. The students were to create a project of their choosing that discussed how the different characters in the stories related to a historical figure that was discussed in class. The projects came out great and the students were really engaged in their own learning. They also felt they were doing less work because of instead of having to create a project for each class, they created one project for both classes. Just make sure that you share the information that you are teaching with the other instructor and vice-versa or it will make grading the projects a lot harder. Otherwise, I highly recommend cross-curricular projects.
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of a cross-curriculum assignment. I have tried to find ways and still working on trying to find way to create a project where in Science class they would collect data and conduct experiments, in Math class crunch the numbers and make predictions, then write a paper about their finding for the English, and finally give a presentation in Speech class. The problem that I have is that I do not have only one grade level, I have student some at least two different levels in each class. I think that it is idea for your situation because it is only one grade level.
ReplyDeleteI also learn best through seeing it done. I think it would be very beneficial to watch another teacher teach a similar task as the one you would like to complete. That way you can discuss with the teachers if they had any positive or negative experiences while creating the lesson. I am always for getting others input when it comes to lessons. It helps to know what others have done and what worked best for them and what did not.
ReplyDeleteI think having someone observe your classroom is an excellent idea! You will be able to get lots of feedback as to what you are doing well in your lessons and how you can improve. I think it also takes courage to let others come in and watch and be willing to except their feedback, both good and bad.
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