I have always had an interest in astronomy and the finer points of outer space. That interest is what primarily led me to using the Eye in the Sky lesson plan that I found. I also felt that the lesson plan itself used a variety of technological tools which would help facilitate learning. However, upon review I discovered that the learning unit itself did not contain many clear cut goals and objectives. While the process was laid out, the author left the reader struggling to figure out just what should be accomplished by the student. It took a lot of thinking on my part to figure out just what could be viably completed through this lesson, and then narrow these goals down to ones that were more relevant to the grade level. I feel that, as this lesson plan is heavily laden with tools, focusing on the ideas of data gathering and models for evaluation and reflection were the most appropriate roads to follow in this aspect. The technology itself is essential for the completion of the lesson assignments, however it is important to keep in mind the fact that gathering data isn’t the end of learning. That is why I added in the points of reflection and multiple forms of discussion amongst the class and individuals. With all of the different assignments and objectives within this learning unit I feel that time must be taken to analyze what has been gathered before continuing on to each new segment. As such, while I did like the lesson as a whole, I feel it is lacking in allotted room for analysis and time for critical thinking.
URL to lesson plan: http://cse.ssl.berkeley.edu/lessons/indiv/bryan/summary.html
URL to Spread Sheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AmZuP1NhqQzvdFpzaTRudXJUODI3TkRjQmwwUlpUMHc#gid=0
Alex,
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely right about your lesson plan being chock full of technologies to be used throughout the lesson, but does that mean the lesson is well thought-out? Upon investigation of your spreadsheet, it appears that the lesson did not provide any of the standards and you absolutely accurately chose the correct standards that the lesson applies to. What you did in elaborating what sorts of strategies should be used, seeing that they were missing from the plan, was well done. I surprises me that you actually added more to the plan than what was initially provided and I give you kudos for that. It is good to take a potentially lacking plan and make it truly your own with the details filled in.