Blog Envy

Yes...I'm checking out the blogs of my classmates in TEAM and realize I've been slacking with regard to my blogging. I've noticed blogs with pictures, video clips and all kinds of stuff. My blog is blah in comparison. However, my competitive juices are now flowing and I vow to become a better blogger. Thank you to my fellow classmates for motivating me. In the next week my plan is to let the blogs flow and to enhance my blog with some visually stimulating additions. (uh, oh...i guess now that I put this in writing, I have to do it) Stay tuned...

Learning by Doing Rules!

I worked in a Montessori School as the Physical Education Teacher for almost 2 years (preK-8th grade). I feel Constructivism was definitely at work in that school. Students were actively engaged in their learning. For example, preK and kindergarten kids learning math by lining up and manipulating these strings of beads up and down the hallway. It was common for the 4-5 graders to be up out of their seats, researching or getting supplies for whatever Social Studies project or assignment they were working on (and there was no technology involved...we're talking books, encyclopedias, maps, etc). Student in grades 1-3 sat in groups of tables where one student was assigned as the mediator. If the table had any problems (such as students arguing or not doing what they were supposed to be doing), the mediator would try to settle the issue by leading a discussion and trying to determine a fair outcome before it was brought to the teacher. 6th to 8th graders learned to play steel drums and put on performances, in addition to plays they put together throughout the school year. They were also required to do an internship during the year where they choose someone in the workforce to shadow with for a week. It was amazing to watch everyone take an active part in their learning. Also, certain grades are kept together (preK & kindergarten; 1-3, 4&5 and 6-8). Therefore, there is a lot of interaction and peer teaching that goes on. The teacher really is there to direct and guide the students. There is no "chalk and talk" to speak of. No one ever looked bored and at times it appeared to be organized chaos (particularly with grades 1-2). It was amazing to watch what those students produced and the type of person that graduated from the school. The students were inquisitive, motivated, driven, intelligent, more confident and kept you on your toes as a teacher as they weren't afraid to challenge information (in a respectful way). I don't think it's a coincidence that both creators of Google received traditional Montessori educations. http://www.montessori.org/enews/barbara_walters.html

I went off on a tangent a bit, but just imagine how much more the Montessori experience may have been even broader and hands on if the school I taught in had more access to technology. Although, they did have computers in the 6-8 grade classroom and those grades also used laptops during math and english classes.

I can think of many good student centered lessons I could do in my health classes using technology. I plan to do a unit on Nutrition where students use laptops and the Food Pyramid Guide site to develop a personalized profile where they learn about different foods, healthy weights, levels of activity and they track and evaluate their own diet.
http://www.mypyramid.gov/
This would be a great tool and a good start to teaching students about healthy eating where they are in the drivers seat in regards to learning and designing a personalized eating plan.