tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4403699399198923073.post7733678074310238027..comments2024-02-14T06:20:51.688-06:00Comments on SBISD GT Book Studies: Session 3 - Question 1atxteacherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15216583790234498239noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4403699399198923073.post-88949957340435782462011-08-26T11:10:17.985-05:002011-08-26T11:10:17.985-05:00I agree with teresh when she said that too many ti...I agree with teresh when she said that too many times we get wrapped up with the process and the product and we forget to reflect, analyze, and debrief with our students. As teachers we are responsible for recognizing the importance of the "process". How did they get there? Could they have taken a higher level of thinking path? Know "HOW" your student learns!theonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4403699399198923073.post-47969731135433810542011-07-18T10:49:25.291-05:002011-07-18T10:49:25.291-05:00In response to kimberlym....
I think you will real...In response to kimberlym....<br />I think you will really like the "Think-Tac-Toes" in your classroom when you add more higher level thinking choices. A suggestion might be to mix the choices and your GT students will naturally gravitate towards the more challenging activities and thus be self-motivated to complete them.susandnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4403699399198923073.post-11047851874221045972011-07-13T22:08:15.283-05:002011-07-13T22:08:15.283-05:00In response to ratliffb, I agree with using the ti...In response to ratliffb, I agree with using the tic tac toe with a novel unit is a brilliant idea. Giving students choice can really hook them into reading, especially reluctant readers.Amitchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05488714964016111021noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4403699399198923073.post-39286180761569577092011-07-13T13:15:30.713-05:002011-07-13T13:15:30.713-05:00In response to bbielik's post, I agree that ti...In response to bbielik's post, I agree that tic tac toes would be great to use in centers. "Think-Tac-Toes can be designed to be rigorous" page 107 enforces the idea that student selected work can be meaningful.moneyjnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4403699399198923073.post-57518068359860978772011-07-13T13:12:50.125-05:002011-07-13T13:12:50.125-05:00I like the Tic Tac Toe because it allows children ...I like the Tic Tac Toe because it allows children choice and I have control over the products. It also allows for different learning styles (Page 110) and lets students experience success and enjoy their work. I used a tic tac toe menu for 3rd grade spelling homework last year. I made sure that if a student chose an "easy" or "fun" activity that in order to complete the tic tac toe they must also do an activity that required higher thinking.moneyjnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4403699399198923073.post-24637623735899334752011-07-12T20:58:06.290-05:002011-07-12T20:58:06.290-05:00In response to Weedin on July 12th 4:34; I have f...In response to Weedin on July 12th 4:34; I have found that my team and I have focused on one assessment, as well. It does take more effort to make choices that are intentional to the objective, but it is definitely worth it!bbieliknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4403699399198923073.post-51218736461134014892011-07-12T20:54:12.468-05:002011-07-12T20:54:12.468-05:00In response to brookec on July 12th @ 6:28 Giving ...In response to brookec on July 12th @ 6:28 Giving our students choice and us being intentional about the assignments we choose to grade really are key. If the assignements that we choose to give students are all at the same level, there will always be students that are not challenged enough and students who feel defeated because they have a different way of learning new concepts. I agree with your observation. :)bbieliknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4403699399198923073.post-15854173203928112742011-07-12T20:48:34.578-05:002011-07-12T20:48:34.578-05:00Both the Venn diagram strategy and the Think-Tac-T...Both the Venn diagram strategy and the Think-Tac-Toe strategies are quite compelling in their flexibility to meet each student's interests and learning styles. I really like the fact that the Venn diagrams can become a collaborative effort for some students that may not be ready to tackle 2, 3, or 4 ovals. On the other side the more ovals added increases the challenge and rigor for our gifted students or high achievers. The same content is being assessed for each student, but in different formats. I also like the fact that sharing completed work enhances all levels of students by exposure of peer ideas about the same topic. <br /><br />Think-Tac-Toe gives students more flexibility and choice, which I believe is extremely important in enhancing motivation for students at varying levels of intelligence and comprehension. This tool can be used as a way to differentiate lessons by scaling down on complexity of assignments or raising the bar for advanced students. Think-Tac-Toe is a strategy I will definitely use, it is close to giving menus for centers. "Think-Tac-Toes can be designed to be rigorous" page 107. The educator must be intent on how the listing of options match the learning experience to each student" page 103. When assignments offered are more than pen and paper assessments they can "help encode the information in multiple parts of the brain" page 106. Real world application and an enhanced measure to align objective outcomes with choice really does equal student success by making it personally connected to them.bbieliknoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4403699399198923073.post-79354831017167632252011-07-12T20:28:47.419-05:002011-07-12T20:28:47.419-05:00In response to angelam:
I hadn't thought abou...In response to angelam:<br /><br />I hadn't thought about venn diagrams being worked on an independent level, but that's exactly what it is. You can have the students begin on their own, then move in to group work where other ideas will allow them to piggyback and grow their thoughts.brookecnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4403699399198923073.post-54767019707375307382011-07-12T20:25:54.885-05:002011-07-12T20:25:54.885-05:00In response to weedin:
I have the same thoughts ab...In response to weedin:<br />I have the same thoughts about Think-Tac-Toe!<br />The sentence you found saying, "when children are accustomed to the fact that not everyone will learn everything in the same way, it becomes commonplace to have different options presented" (113) is a perfect way to show our students that everyone is different and has different learning styles. Great thoughts!brookecnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4403699399198923073.post-36153687843647178352011-07-12T20:23:11.894-05:002011-07-12T20:23:11.894-05:00I liked Think-Tac-Toe.
I love the quote from page ...I liked Think-Tac-Toe.<br />I love the quote from page 103 - "The educational profession must be very intentional about the options provided." <br />Nothing we do is on accident. We have to plan out multiple routes that will in turn somehow end up with the same result - learning.<br />They have stressed the concept of choice a lot in this book. "Think-Tac-Toe...it also increases student motivation because of the control they have over the assignment (ie, the choices they make).brookecnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4403699399198923073.post-81618761418738444362011-07-12T18:28:16.560-05:002011-07-12T18:28:16.560-05:00In response to what Weedin said on July 12,I too h...In response to what Weedin said on July 12,I too have offered many options for choice in my classroom, but see that the Think Tac Toe gives students more choice and allows them to better work in a way that meets their own interest and learning style.<br /><br />In response to what ratliffb said on July 11, one strategy that I found that helped my students keep all the circles straight when using a Venn Diagram was by outlining each of the circles a different color. I used this in middle school and it helped some of the students follow along better.rpiccolatxnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4403699399198923073.post-65752008481087108862011-07-12T18:19:54.334-05:002011-07-12T18:19:54.334-05:00I was completely overwhelmed when I saw the Venn D...I was completely overwhelmed when I saw the Venn Diagrams that are shown here. They were just too busy for me to follow. When I looked at the examples on pg. 88, my thinking actually shut down. After I was able to refocus and look at what the author is trying to accomplish with them, I see that they have a great idea and that I just have to adapt it to work for me. I believe that there are more current Thinking Maps available that would accomplish the same thing, but be less "busy". I might explore how to take a Thinking Map, such as the Double Bubble, and adjust it to meet the same goal. <br />The Box Chart on page 101 is also very appealing to me. I can see that it would work nicely on our ActivBoards.<br />I do like the Think-Tac-Toe a lot! I was impressed by the fact that students are choosing one from each of the categories and are truly given a choice for each of the categories. A teacher is not trying to force them into presenting their learning in any specific manner.rpiccolatxnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4403699399198923073.post-88077624752895552012011-07-12T18:05:48.033-05:002011-07-12T18:05:48.033-05:00rpiccolatx***I'm not exactly sure why my post ...rpiccolatx***I'm not exactly sure why my post appeared as anonymous. Let me try this again.<br /><br />I was completely overwhelmed when I saw the Venn Diagrams that are shown here. They were just too busy for me to follow. When I looked at the examples on pg. 88, my thinking actually shut down. After I was able to refocus and look at what the author is trying to accomplish with them, I see that they have a great idea and that I just have to adapt it to work for me. I believe that there are more current Thinking Maps available that would accomplish the same thing, but be less "busy". I might explore how to take a Thinking Map, such as the Double Bubble, and adjust it to meet the same goal. <br />The Box Chart on page 101 is also very appealing to me. I can see that it would work nicely on our ActivBoards.<br />I do like the Think-Tac-Toe a lot! I was impressed by the fact that students are choosing one from each of the categories and are truly given a choice for each of the categories. A teacher is not trying to force them into presenting their learning in any specific manner.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4403699399198923073.post-3139354171929966742011-07-12T18:03:21.895-05:002011-07-12T18:03:21.895-05:00I was completely overwhelmed when I saw the Venn D...I was completely overwhelmed when I saw the Venn Diagrams that are shown here. They were just too busy for me to follow. When I looked at the examples on pg. 88, my thinking actually shut down. After I was able to refocus and look at what the author is trying to accomplish with them, I see that they have a great idea and that I just have to adapt it to work for me. I believe that there are more current Thinking Maps available that would accomplish the same thing, but be less "busy". I might explore how to take a Thinking Map, such as the Double Bubble, and adjust it to meet the same goal. <br />The Box Chart on page 101 is also very appealing to me. I can see that it would work nicely on our ActivBoards.<br />I do like the Think-Tac-Toe a lot! I was impressed by the fact that students are choosing one from each of the categories and are truly given a choice for each of the categories. A teacher is not trying to force them into presenting their learning in any specific manner.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4403699399198923073.post-24499841567326521822011-07-12T17:57:27.839-05:002011-07-12T17:57:27.839-05:00I have often used Venn diagrams as graphic organiz...I have often used Venn diagrams as graphic organizers for content being learned. As noted on page 99, it is an easy tool to differentiate a lesson and all students are held accountable for the same concept but on varying levels of complexity. I would like to use the Venn diagrams more for unit review and assessment. I would like to try Deborah Wyatt’s design as pictures in Figure 6.8 on page 94. I like the idea of developing a rubric to assess student’s understanding of the unit studied.susandnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4403699399198923073.post-19813262188299574232011-07-12T17:29:59.589-05:002011-07-12T17:29:59.589-05:00In response to wattb, I'm with you! I was con...In response to wattb, I'm with you! I was confused when I looked at the 4 ovals. It definitely bothered my eyes! I also agree with you that many people probably appreciate the challenge. I would probably design a different graphic organizer that works for me, but I love that this might work well for many of my students.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4403699399198923073.post-22403160885961820122011-07-12T17:26:14.407-05:002011-07-12T17:26:14.407-05:00In response to tjensen, I agree that Venn diagrams...In response to tjensen, I agree that Venn diagrams can help motivate students while taking notes. I love your idea about a "Misconception" circle at the bottom! <br /><br />I really like that this strategy allows students to add to their notes without copying off the ActivBoard. This forces them to think, compare, contrast, question... <br /><br />And, of course, it's a great tool for reviewing a concept.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4403699399198923073.post-48173575939753925932011-07-12T17:21:14.568-05:002011-07-12T17:21:14.568-05:00I really liked the Tic-Tac-Toe approach. I love t...I really liked the Tic-Tac-Toe approach. I love that it encourages choice, but it still keeps students focused on the content and process (103). Although I often give assignments that allow for student choice, I haven't thought about Tic-Tac-Toe before reading this book. How brilliant to have the students select one project from each row/category! I guess I've always focused on one product, but I never considered other options. This ensures that "projects not only provide choice for the student (thus increasing motivation), but the projects also help to encode the information in multiple parts of the brain" (105-106). I love it! And I think it is important to remember that "when children are accustomed to the fact that not everyone will learn everything in the same way, it becomes commonplace to have different options presented" (113). I will definitely use this tool with my students!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4403699399198923073.post-19342563913094781292011-07-12T16:34:43.987-05:002011-07-12T16:34:43.987-05:00I response to becky on July 12th, I agree, student...I response to becky on July 12th, I agree, students can independently use a Venn diagram after modeling and good first instruction.teresahnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4403699399198923073.post-88399571800967203672011-07-12T16:31:19.075-05:002011-07-12T16:31:19.075-05:00I response to amartin on July 11th, I enjoyed read...I response to amartin on July 11th, I enjoyed reading your description of flow and your observation regarding the use of different diagrams but requiring the same items in a time limit discussed in the book.teresahnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4403699399198923073.post-74687944447762207422011-07-12T16:26:41.021-05:002011-07-12T16:26:41.021-05:00I have used the Venn Diagram for many years. Readi...I have used the Venn Diagram for many years. Reading how the strategy is “an excellent vehicle for process and content differentiation” (pg 83) reinforces the reason teachers have used it successfully in their classrooms. I usually use 2 or 3 ovals, but am inspired to try 4 ovals with my class. (pg 85 and appendix G)<br />Venn diagrams can be used in all grade levels--perhaps saving the most complex for older or gifted children. Young students can place ideas in picture form in the ovals. As with any strategy or tool, students need instruction on how to use the diagrams, what the expectations are, aspects of the rubric that will be used, whether the student uses it alone, with a partner, or a group,.<br /><br />I was pleased to see the variety of ideas presented for Venn diagram use--rather than just as a graphic organizer.<br /><br />The paragraph on debriefing stood out to me. Many times we get wrapped up with the process, product, assignment, etc... and forget to reflect, analyze, and debrief with our students. “The importance of this inclusive participation cannot be stressed enough. It reinforces the respect you have for all learners, wherever they are in their learning journey. Plus, it makes each child an integral part of your classroom.” (pg 99)teresahnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4403699399198923073.post-54780388120100883022011-07-12T16:05:31.614-05:002011-07-12T16:05:31.614-05:00On July 11, 2011 amartin said...
"The Venn ...On July 11, 2011 amartin said... <br />"The Venn diagrams on pg. 97 demonstrate the ultimate way to differentiate so the students gain personal benefits from the learning experience." I completely agree with this statement. My experience has been that, after modeling how to use a venn diagram, it really is the perfect way to differentiate, in that each student can fill in the various areas independently, which can then be sued as an assessment tool, and then "bridge" off of others'. <br /><br />I also like the Think-Tac-Toe menus. I've used these a few times in the past, and, while they take a bit of planning, they are wonderful way of offering "limited choice" for students, all while maintaining curricular standards.Beckyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02869728801815625377noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4403699399198923073.post-24005117915752832222011-07-12T15:00:27.910-05:002011-07-12T15:00:27.910-05:00oops...I pasted the incorrect response from my wor...oops...I pasted the incorrect response from my word document. Here is the correct responseto Question 1/Session 3:<br />As noted on page 85, what is cool about Venn diagrams is that each child is able to take the same concepts, but on his or her own level and they can think abstractly with this graphic organizer model. Once again the author suggests that using Venn diagrams allows each child a challenge that strengthens the learning process and provides “continuous progress” for that individual child (page 86). Often Venn graphic organizers are excellent for research projects but I would like to implement it more for creative writing. As noted on page 91, it will ensure a strong start to a writing unit.theonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4403699399198923073.post-63779211056893926172011-07-12T14:49:03.863-05:002011-07-12T14:49:03.863-05:00I found the “inventories” ideas discussed on pages...I found the “inventories” ideas discussed on pages 21-26 to be quite interesting. It would be a fine experiment for the students to delve into possible areas of interests or strengths that they never really gave much thought about. Prior to teaching a particular subject, an interest inventory (page 28) could serve the teacher well before beginning that unit so that she/he can structure the lessons around the interest inventory survey taken by the students. Based on the (inventory) diversity, students’ instructions will vary from their peers which is truly exercising differentiation and important for enhancing motivation. An “Aha” moment came for me when reading about teacher expectations in Chapter 3. On page 35, I truly agree with the statistics and that which I have read over the years: “We must prepare young Americans to compete in the global economy of the 21st century. Too much is at stake for us to aim for mediocrity.” Our students must reach above and beyond proficiency. They must strive for excellence if they are going to compete in the global world. Throughout my reading of Chapters 1-3, I have concluded the following: It is our responsibility, as teachers, to provide a learning environment which has high expectations combined with differentiation strategies giving each child an opportunity to develop to their level of excellence. One of my favorite ways of teaching has always been to incorporate humor and the discovery approach to learning. If you make learning “fun” then you will see that students will retain the knowledge longer and may be inspired to branch off of that learning to something new and exciting for them.theonoreply@blogger.com