EDTC 5010 Chapter 10

1.  How do I know that students understand a concept?

A great way to have students show their understanding of a concept is to have them complete a corresponding graphic organizer.  Through creating a graphic organizer, higher level thinking is achieved by the student as well as a deeper understanding of the content.  " Graphic organizers yield the best results when integrated into lessons for which student understanding is enhanced by visualizing, organizing, and depicting relationships among and between concepts, ideas, information, processes, systems, and problems." ( Morrison & Lowther, 2010)  When they are used in this manner,  they support four of the six ISTE NETS for students which are, "creativity and innovation, research and information fluency, problem solving, decision making, technology operations and concepts and critical thinking."( Morrison & Lowther, 2010) When these are addressed it helps students to understand the concept fully.  


2. How can you depict student misconceptions of key information?

When graphic organizers are used to present results of problem-based lessons, students should be required to "include a brief written or digital audio recording of the student's explanation of how the product presents a solution to the lesson problem.  This extension will enable you to identify any misconceptions that may not be evident in the results that are presented." ( Morrison & Lowther, 2010)   It is important to identify any
misconceptions that students may have and try and understand "how" and "why" they achieved these misconceptions about the content.  It is then the teachers responsibility to alter any methods, or materials that may of lead to a common misconception about the content to prevent future student misconceptions.

3.  How can students capture and transfer brainstorming ideas into written thoughts?

In health class, we spend a good deal of time discussing the importance of making good decisions in relation to personal health and well being.  I try and help the students understand that every decision they make is important and they all have good and bad consequences, whether intended or unintended.  To help them achieve this understanding, I have them first brainstorm about a recent decision they have made or one they will need to make in the near future.  Once they have one in mind, they are required to brainstorm about all
possible ways to go about the decision.  They will then write down the decision and connect all the possible choices to it.  From here, they will complete a cause and effect web or tree like graphic organizer, where they must write out a corresponding effect caused by each decision that is made stemming from the original decision.  The end result gives students a chance to to look back and reflect upon personal decisions and see just how greatly they affect their lives through the intended and unintended consequences.  

Bibliography:

1.  Morrison, G., & Lowther, D. (2010). Integrating computer technology into the classroom: Skills for the 21st century . (4th Edition ed., p. 30). Pearson.