Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Slow Down and Enjoy!
I think that Concept Development is one of my favorite models of instruction so far! I'm still chewing on the ideas in Concept Attainment (perhaps I should use the C.D. model to figure it out! ha ha), but the Concept Development model really speaks to my heart. I love the idea of really hashing through an idea, or in other words-a concept. I think tooo tooo often we introduce something, rush through it and move on (there's a lot to cover, you know!). So, what I liked best about this model is the time spent manipulating the concept, talking about it and looking at it in different lights via the re-grouping process. I think the potential for deeper thinking, 'ah-ha' moments and connecting thoughts is limitless. My favorite application idea is focusing on a concept addressed in an upcoming piece of literature. I think it would be interesting to re-visit the same process after reading the literature. In the field of Social Studies, I think that this is a fitting model for teaching abstract ideas, such as freedom, bondage, oppression, and unity. These are ideas that kids, and adults alike, have trouble really sinking their teeth into. Can you imagine the depth of understanding the American Revolution a student can attain once they truly "get" the idea of freedom. So, maybe we should slow down and enjoy the ride (sometimes, anyway!).
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Hi Heidi!
ReplyDeleteI sure like your idea about combining lit with social studies. Starting next year, our s.s. department will be aligned with our English dept, i.e. juniors read Am Lit and study Am history. I am excited about where we are going with this.
Of course we teach lit as art (one's creation, aesthetically pleasing, personal enjoyment, different meanings, etc.), but what is often missed is that lit, like art, is also the artist's reaction to a societal issue of the time (injustices, extravagance, misguided beliefs, power hunger,race/gender issues, and on and on). This is the connection to a history lesson. The textbook is the "winner's version" of the story; the literature (especially those with timeless themes) are artifacts from the time period that capture a perspective that may not show up in a timeline of post-reconstruction America.
Jim, I would LOVE teaching in this kind of integrated situation. Think of all the passion for learning you'll inspire!
ReplyDeleteAhh yes! One of my favorite components to literature is the societal/historical factor. I look forward to opportunities with the ss dept as well.
ReplyDeletePassion AND deeper understanding. So many kids are visual learners...if they could 'see' Paris during the French Revolution by reading Les Mis, imagine how the rote facts would stick! I get soooo excited about this!!
ReplyDeleteor a tale of two cities...if you haven't read this one, you might prefer it to crime and punishment - definitely more uplifting.
ReplyDeleteA Tale of Two Cities it is! I intend to re-read "To Kill A Mockingbird"...I was listening to NPR this morning and couldn't resist, after hearing there review of it. Apparently, it's a big anniversary for it.
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