I believe I can utilize a blog in my 8th grade science classroom to develop content knowledge and to engage my students in active discussion about "the nature of science". The benefit of using a blog will allow this discussion and learning experience to take place outside of the classroom, avoiding the "time crunch" which usually would discourage such extensive focus on this one particular topic. While "the nature of science" is part of the 8th grade curriculum, it is not an SOL focus, per say. Personally, I think that it enhances a real-world connection and provides validity to the process as it is defined. The discussion would be applicable to future experiences that my students themselves, may actually have.
First, my thought was to begin interaction by requesting that each student participate in a discussion/debate about the "nature of science". Certainly, I would provide a writing prompt or sentence starter that would elicit the desired responses. Since there are many views on the process, and numerous scientists involved, students should be able to conduct their own research and voice their own opinions with authority and individuality. I would ask students to include their thoughts of the ancient examples used in class and then to be able to relate it to how they may utilize the process currently or in the future. I would also request that students address the advantages and disadvantages of "building on others ideas", and that they would be able to clearly and concisely respond to each other.
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Hi Kelly,
ReplyDeleteI agree that a blog is definitely a forum from which learning could continue outside the time restraints of class. Would you plan to provide time in class for students who do not have access to technology at home? Would you require or just encourage participation? Would it be graded or just for interest purposes?
I would think that sometimes when you post a topic that the first two to respond would bring up the main points with their response. Then what do the others post? Is "I agree" valuable enough to contribute?
I like the broad topic of sharing the advantages and disadvantages of building on others' ideas because I believe everyone in the class would have something to say about it.
Blogging can be such a great tool that will help you see if your students are understanding the topics being discussed in class. Is there or would you have a rubric posted online for the students to see?
ReplyDeleteI think that the best part of a blog would be allowing the students to express their own feelings. As you know not all students like to participate in class and using a tool like this, it would give everybody a chance to make their voice heard.
Thank you Lynne and Mr. Henry for your thoughts, suggestions, and encouragement. Both in class and outside participation is what my original goal for the assignment would have been, almost providing a grade based on the quality and amount of participation that each student demonstrated. I hadn't thought of this initially, but certainly if I did require a whole class participation, I would need to provide a grade and then yes, a rubric. I suppose that this is our learning curve as we too are attempting to utilize new tools and creative assignments. Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteI think that this blogging tool can be used so positively for students to engage in discussions and learning content. I too wrote about the use of blogging within my 8th grade Health class. I believe that mid junior high students are at the perfect age to blog and would enjoy doing it. Would you use this for grading purposes or to just spark discussion and conversations with students. I agree with the point you made about finding out what students believe would be there disadvantages and advantages of sharing idea. This is a great idea that will help students to share there opinions about ideas. Great Post I enjoyed reading it.
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