After considering what both of these phrases actually mean I must say that I prefer assessment FOR learning. The reason I feel this way is because I feel like it encompasses more than just what the student knows. As teachers assessment is just an important for our instruction as it is for the student. When we assess them FOR learning, to me, that means we want to see what they know and how they absorb information so that we can instruct them in a way that suits them the best. When we say OF learning it sounds like we are saying okay, this is what you know and this is what you don't know. The End. Even thought that might not necessarily be the case, that it what prompted me to choose the other phrase.
Here's a short video on Assessment For Learning😊
Basically, the assessment process is a cycle and it is beneficial to the student just as much as it is for the teacher. When we understand how our students learn best and why then we can mold ourselves into being the best teachers for them and they will SUCEED!
Here's my Extra Credit Professional Development POSTER!
My Thoughts Before reading about the difference between Unit Plans and Lesson Plans my understanding was pretty similar to what I read about. The way I summarized it in my head it that the Unit Plan is a broad topic that is to be taught through individual lesson plans. Each lesson plan makes up the whole Unit Plan.
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Unit Plans are learning segments made up of about 3-5 lesson plans that build on one another to reach the central focus with a clear learing target & goal.
What Are the Components of an Effective Lesson Plan For All Grade Levels?
Here are some of the thoughts on the articles we read!
Busting the Myths Surrounding the Inquiry-Based Science Classroom
Myth 3: Teaching science through inquiry is chaotic
This myth has more to do with the assumption that the teacher does not have control of her classroom or issue with classroom and behavior management more so than the actual inquiry process. With constant check-ins, one on one discussions and observations as groups are working collaboratively, letting go of some control while teaching can be an integral part of student learning! Increasing student engagement teachers can customize scaffolding to increase the classes level of understanding. This myth stuck out to me because I know that sometimes I tend to be a little controlling in certain situations and I know how excited students get when they are able to take control in their own learning. Of course there may be some chaos, but if you can manage it appropriately it can aid in student learning in a big way! What is Inquiry?
"Inquiry . . . is a process of exploration which is guided by a personal interest or question. It involves risk taking and experimenting which can lead
to pathways where the learner may discover meaningful concepts and
understandings" (Marilyn Austin, Teacher-in-Residence, Exploratorium).
The article compares inquiry to curiousity and how children are constantly in a state of inquiry from the day they are born. We see something, we ask questions and we explore to find the answers we are looking for. Babies and toddlers are always exploring and touching things in their environment. They use all of their senses to figure out the world and objects around them. They see something, pick it up, shake it then usually stick in in their mouths! These actions help us to navigate and make sense of our environment. We are always inquiring and learning whether we realize we are or not!
Here is a video on student inquiry
The Inquiry Cycle
Inquiry, The Learning Cycle and the 5E Model
Active learning is based on the constructivist theory. This theory recognizes that learners will need to:
express their current thinking;
• interact with objects, organisms, substances, and equipment to develop a
range of experiences on which to base their thinking;
• reflect on their thinking by writing and expressing themselves and comparing
what they think with what others think; and
• make connections between their learning experiences and the real world.
The 5E Model creates experiences for students have the opportunity to construct
their understanding of a concept over time
