Dear peoples,
The main idea behind Teaching Learners to Think, Read, and Write More Effectively in Content Subjects by Richard C. Sinatra is in order to make students better thinkers, readers, and writers, teachers must implement an effective construct that utilizes text structure, concept mapping, and a shift in teaching-style. Sinatra claims that a teacher can implement this construct in three easy steps. The first step is modeling for the students; however, Sinatra does point out that one should be considerate of the fact that concept maps are appropriate after students have been introduced to all the topics. For some teachers, this can be a great closure activity after only one lesson. However, other teachers may say this activity is most appropriate after two or three lessons. Either way the beauty behind a concept map is that the students mental arrange ideas and make connections between the ideas for themselves. The teacher is there to help direct the students, not give answers. A concept map is a great review activity. In fact, tomorrow during my evaluation my students will create a concept map about multiple representations of linear equations. I chose this activity because it is open-ended in the sense that the students can connect the ideas however they pleasure (even if it is incorrect). Also, it is a great activity to start a classroom discussion. In fact, I think this article left out a major aspect of being a student, speaking. The same construct would benefit the students' ability to communicate effectively along with the three other skills the author mentions. The second stage of implementation is guided practice. This goes back to the idea that a teacher is more like a navigator through the land of knowledge, but it is the students job to make the discoveries between the ideas. The teacher can continuously have students write a paragraph or two about a topic. Of course it is important to ask to write about a purposeful question. The hope is that students will begin to practice this construct on their own for future use. The author points out that this construct has proven to benefit students at all grade levels. Therefore, if you are a teacher you should probably try this strategy in your classroom. The data shows that not only does it improve the students' ability to think read and write, but it also has a positive impact on the different content areas too. I personally like it for a closure to a unit, but at any rate give it a try.
Sincerely,
Me (a genuinely good guy)
Michael,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your claim that the article left out student speaking. This is becoming a major focus on teaching and even incorporated in evaluation rubrics. In fact, my adviser told me that in a good lesson students talk a lot more than you do. This makes so much sense! How are students supposed to comprehend ideas if they can't communicate about them. I also agree that concept maps can spark this type of discussion. When students are working on this activity, they often lean to their neighbor for help and have mathematical conversations. How awesome is that!