Our text, Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works, states that “self-efficacy plays a strong role in motivation for learning and achievement” (p. 155). The strategy of reinforcing effort can help a student become more aware of his/her actions. The idea of having students track their own effort and achievement was one I had never thought about doing. Being a high school teacher, I guess I didn’t think that was something that I could do. However the effort rubric may be something I could use. The information on the rubric has many things for students to consider. The rubric would be a good way for students to really think about how effort does effect achievement. Using technology to keep track of effort and achievement can make the activity more relevant and interesting to the student. By becoming more aware of his/her own actions in the classroom could promote a more desirable behavior from the student.
When considering the strategy of “homework and practice”, technology can be a great asset. No longer does a teacher have to rely on the textbook and/or worksheets for homework and practice. Technology opens many doors to make practice more enjoyable. Websites that offer tutorial videos to reading and math games to virtual operations are just a click away. Some websites I use are BrainPOP, The Future Channel, and TestPrep. Some sites even send feedback to the teacher on student performance. Students can receive immediate feedback which can increase their confidence or reveal the need to seek extra help.
Both of the strategies this week are necessary in the classroom. Students need to be aware of their effort and actions in the classroom. While the teacher can use positive reinforcement for good behavior and achievement, the student can also take an active role in examining his/her actions. I think homework and practice will always be a necessary strategy in the classroom. I believe Wolfe (2009) mentioned in last week’s video something about practice and driving. A person can ride in a car for years and even sit behind the steering wheel, but without practice that person will never learn how to drive well. On a personal note…..I am living Wolfe’s analogy….my 15-year old daughter is learning to drive…. Every time I let her drive, I feel sick to my stomach and my life passes before me, but without practice (and me or my husband in the car with her) she will never get the experience she needs to become a good driver!
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Leilani,
ReplyDeleteI agree that when teaching high school, I never thought that I would have to teach effort. I always thought that was something that students would bring into the classroom with them. But, sometimes these students just don't have the values that I thought they would have (work ethic, patriotism, empathy etc.). So, I guess that I need to work to get them a work ethic. And, if I could do that with the book's and other source's strategies, I think that it could be one of the most important things I could ever teach them.
P.S. Good luck with the student driver! (I can't even watch my wife drive, I don't know how I am going to trust my teenagers someday)
Tyler
Tyler,
ReplyDeleteYou brought a lot of issues to the table here…. Effort, work ethic, and empathy….. How do we instill these values into our students? A difficult task at best…. Although I am sure we will be exposed to more strategies as we continue to take classes, I think one of the biggest things that can affect students is how we are in the classroom. Our effort, work ethic, and empathy are apparent through things we do in the classroom. I truly believe as teachers we should be aware of the things we do daily, and lead by example.
~Leilani