Talladega PLC Yr 1

It has made me think of taking a broad, vague concept and then narrowing it down to the specific questions I want my students to be able to answer. It also made me organize my assessment so I am continually checking on my students' understanding and where I may need to modify my instruction.

The standards, CFQ's, and formative assessment discussed in Module 2 have allowed me to take a second look at the “why” of my instruction. It helped me to remember that everything should tie together. In addition, learning about the hierarchy of the instructional unit (Essential Question – Unit Question – Content Question) has helped me understand that skimming the surface of several topics is no longer acceptable or effective. I must delve into each question headlong and cover it as in-depth as possible.

Basically, it has given me direction. I have been able to think of my project in its entirety as well as the different components. (Unit questions and content questions.

Module 2 has reminded me of the importance of a couple of things: questioning and assessment. Questioning should include content questions as well as essential questions to allow chilren the opportunity to integrate critical thinking. Assessment doesn't only take place at the end of a unit, but at the beginning and during the unit as well; It is ongoing.

Module 2 has made me think about using my course-of-study standards in project-based learning. I rarely take the time to ask a broad (essential) question and unit questions. Because of time constraints, I often cover the material quickly and then ask the relevant content questions. This project-based approach takes a great deal of time, but can cover multiple subjects and technology standards. It also makes learning more fun!

Module 2 has helped me think about using standards, CFQ's, or formative assessment in the following ways:

It is very difficult for me to think on a higher order level, therefore it is difficult to think of higher order questions to ask my students. I now know that my Essential question should only be one question and that question should capture the students attention so they will be ready to engage in learning. My unit questions should be open ended, no yes or no answer. It is best to use questions such as "What do you think"? My content questions should have a diffinate answer.

As far as the standards, I know that I must ask all my questions so that they are relevent to the standard I am using.

Formative Assessment is still a work in progress for me. I will be reading up more about how to do this more effectivly.

Roxanne

Module 2 has made me think about using standards, CFQ'S, and formative assessment in a whole new way. I feel that I will be more in-tuned to my students. This module has really reminded me of how everything should tie together. I am looking forward to implementing everything that I have learned with my students. I know that they will love it.