– Technology is directly substituted for traditional methods with no functional change.
Ways to use this in the classroom – Teachers can use this in the classroom in very simple ways. For example, the teacher may have students use google docs to write the assignment rather than on paper. Teachers may also use video recordings for a lecture and then assess the students on the content from the video.
Evaluation – Does the technology replace the traditional tool in a simple form?
Augmentation
– Technology is also directly substituted for the traditional methods although has some functional improvements.
Ways to use this in the classroom – Teachers may implement this in order to change the function of the task. For example, the teacher may have students watch a video that stops throughout with mini quizzes on the content. Teachers may also use this function for assignment writing, like using a spell checker or shared documents.
Evaluation – Does the technology improve the students learning experience? Does to enhance engagement or support diverse learning?
Modification
– Technology is used for significant task redesign.
Ways to use this in the classroom – Teachers will use this as a more direct way of teaching. For example, students may be asked to analyze a video to where they are then asked to write an essay or answer essay type questions on the content. Teachers may also use this for students to peer review each others work.
Evaluation – How does the technology access change their learning? Does it encourage the students to take action to improve their performance?
Redefinition
– Technology is used for creating a new task that was previously inconceivable.
Ways to use this in the classroom – Teachers use this as a more independent study for students. For example, students may be asked to film a video for a certain subject like science experiment. Teachers may also ask students to create a website or e-portfolio where they can upload their work.
Evaluation – What new possibilities for learning could this technology provide? Does this technology promote new forms of creativity in learning?
Could sketch noting benefit learners in grade 2? If so how?
YES! Sketch noting is extremely beneficial for students in grade 2. Students at this age are still learning to read although are able to understand lots of visuals. Sketch noting is perfect for that as it combines both sentences and visuals as well as expands their developmental stage while encouraging learning through creativity and self-expression.
Ways their learning is enhanced
Visual Stimulation – sketch noting is often filled with colourful visuals which captures students attention and keeps them engaged.
Participation – drawing and simple notes helps students stay active in their learning.
Retention – using both words and images concepts are reinforced.
Simplification – sketch notes often simplify topics and make it easier for students at this age to understand the new concepts.
Learning Styles – sketch notes aides different learning styles as it helps both visual learners and kinesthetics learners.
Critical thinking – students are encouraged to express their ideas through visuals and simple words, as well as being able to be as creative as they would like.
Add a photo to your blog post and make sure that it is accessible following best practices, and contains links to the photographer and related copyright information.
Add a video (which can be one you’ve made previously) and make it accessible by either using an automated closed captioning tool (YouTube) or use H5P to add text boxes or labels throughout your video to convey the message you are communicating in text form.
Are there any digital accessibility practices that you often see being missed? Are there any that you know YOU often miss?
I think the biggest one that is missed described video (DV). According to The Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commissions described video “is the narration added to the soundtrack to describe important visual details that cannot be understood from the main soundtrack alone.” This is important for individuals who are blind or visual impaired. I often find that it is an option for some streaming platforms but not all. It is important for more streaming platforms to use DV as it creates more inclusivity, accessibility and improves user experience and enhances the story of the video. I remember as a kid, Disney Channel had the option for described video but I never understood the importance of it until learning what it was used for and how it helped so many watch and understand everyday tv shows.
Are there any digital accessibility practices that surprised you? Why?
I don’t think there are any practices that surprised me but I did find some of the principles of Digital Accessibility surprising. The four principles are known through the acronym POUR – Perceivable, Operable, Understandable and Robust. The first three principles make lots of sense to me although the principle of Robust came as a surprise. Robust is the principle of “content must be robust enough that it can be interpreted reliably by a wide variety of users, allowing them to choose the technology they use to interact with websites, online documents, multimedia, and other information formats” (CUNY Library Services.). Although this principle makes a lot of sense when explained, the word Robust through me off as it does not make me think of well rounded content.
The Canadian Finals Rodeo is final event of the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association (CPRA) season. This event is held in Edmonton, Alberta for a week, generally during the first week of October. The CFR hosts the 10 leading money winners of each event throughout the Canadian circuit season, as well as the 1st and 2nd place winners in each event from the last 10 rodeos of the season. Each event has six rounds throughout the five days of events. The event has fun for all, including themed nights. Each night has a posted theme / dress code. For example, night one was Heritage Night where everyone is asked to wear Fringe and Turquoise. It is also a week filled with Western Heritage, showcasing trade show exhibits, western art shows, educational workshops and more. The event holds more like concerts, after parties, buffets, and kids zones.
History of the CFR
The CFR has been held in Edmonton, Alberta at Northlands Coliseum starting in 1974 until 2017, where it then got moved to Red Deer, Alberta for 2018 to 2023. Although now it is back to being held in Edmonton at Rogers Place. Before 2006, Canadian Residents were the only competitors who could qualify and participate in the CFR. As the years have gone on, international competitors are now eligible for qualifying and competing. From 1974 to 2007, the CFR had a special format where the competitors did not carryover any prize money earned during their season to the finals. During each round, the top 4 finishers would earn points from 40 to 10. By the end of the events, the top 4 in the average scores, total times or score across rounds, received points on the same scale. The competitor who would be named Canadian Champion, was the individual who had the highest score/points in their event.
However things changed in 2008 when the competitors ask for the CFR format to be more like the National Finals Rodeo in the United States. Now, the competitors are able to carry over their winnings from the season and any money won during the CFR is added to their season total. This means that the contestant with the most earnings in their event at the end of the CFR is declared champion. The contestants asked for the NFR format because it was impossible to secure a season title before finals, and having the NFR format would help boost the participation within smaller late season rodeos.
These events include Bareback Bronc, Saddle Bronc and Bull Riding. These events are judged by two judges, each evaluating a side of the rider and the stock. Each judge scores the rider and stock due out of 50, 25 points are for the rider technique, which includes spurring and maintaining balance without using free hand. The other 25 points are on the stocks performance, which includes bucking intensity. They are then ranked out of 100. The rider must complete the 8 second ride in order to be properly judged and ranked.
Bareback Bronc
Rider uses leather rigging instead of a saddle
Rigging acts as a handle
The “Mark Out Rule” is the rule that when the gate opens, the rider’s feet must be above the horse’s shoulder breaks.
Scoring is based on the riders control and spurring the horse in sync with the bucking.
If the rider touches the horse, equipment or body with free hand or falls off the horse before 8 seconds, their ride results as a “no time”
If rider completes the 8 second ride, their ride is then ranked by the two judges who are each scoring them up to 50 points, once points are put together their final score is out of 100.
Saddle Bronc
Rider uses a special saddle without a horn and has forward-set stirrups
The “Mark Out Rule” also applies to Saddle Bronc Riding.
Once the horse first jumps, the rider spurs synchronized with the horses movements. Riders legs are straight when the bronc comes down from the buck/jump and their spurs are used towards the back of the saddle during the top of the buck/jump.
If the rider touches his equipment, horse or body or does not last the required 8 seconds their rides results in a “no time”
If rider completes the 8 second ride, their ride is then ranked by the two judges who are each scoring them up to 50 points, once points are put together their final score is out of 100.
Bull Riding
Bull Riding is the most dangerous event.
The rider uses a braided rope to hold on, which goes around the bulls girth. and is then looped around the riders hand and gripped tightly.
Spurring is optional as the main goal is to ride the bull for the 8 seconds.
If the rider touches his equipment, bull or body or does not last the required 8 seconds their rides results in a “no time”
The judges assess the ride points based on the difficulty of the bull’s movements (spinning, jumping and bucking) and the riders control and central balance.
These events include Steer Wrestling, Tiedown Roping, Team Roping, Breakaway roping and Barrel Racing. In each event there is a designated barrier line from the event box or set of timers that the contestant crosses in order for their time to start. For the roping and wrestling events, the rider and horse start in a timed event box where a rope barrier is across the front, this provides a head start for the stock in the chute. These four events also have a Field Judge who is on horseback in the arena and signals when the run is complete by waving a flag. Whereas Barrel Racing is not judged and soul a timed event. Each of the events have their own set of rules that ensure fairness and consistent standards in competition with other stock. If the contestants do not follow these rules their ride will likely result in a “no time”. The timed events are events that highlight both the rider and horses skills and their ability to work as a team.
Steer Wrestling
Also known as Bull Dogging
The rider will exit the box, dismount their horse and proceeds to wrestle the steer to the ground.
The “Hazer” is responsible for keeping the steer running in a straight line out of the chute.
Their time gets stopped when the steer’s direction is changed and their four legs point the same way.
Team Roping
This is a team of 2 event : the header and the heeler.
The header ropes first and is responsible for roping the steers horns or neck, where they position the steer for the heeler to catch.
The heeler ropes second and is responsible for roping the steers hind legs.
The timer is stopped when the horses are facing each other and the steer is in the middle with no slack in their ropes.
The “legal” head catches include both horns, half head and neck.
The team gets a five second penalty added to their time if only one hind leg is roped.
Tie Down Roping
In tie-down roping, the rider is timed on roping the calf, dismounting their horse and then tying three of the calfs legs.
The timer gets stopped when the rider raisers their hands which signals completion
After the rider remounts and slackens the rope, the calf must remain tied for 6 seconds.
“No time” is given out if the calf gets up before 6 seconds or if there is not a legal tie.
Breakaway Roping
Riders are required to rope the calf around the neck (bell collar catch).
There is a string that attaches the rope to the saddle horn and it will break upon pulling and releasing the calf and rope.
the judge is repsonsible for stopping the timer by dropping a flag.
Riders get a “no time” if they do not have a clean bell collar catch.
The fastest time is the winner of the event.
Barrel Racing
A timed event for cowgirls
The competitors ride in a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels.
Time starts once they cross the timer line entering the arena and to stops once they cross it on their way out.
Riders are allowed to touch the barrel to avoid it falling over, if the barrel falls the rider gets 5-seconds to their time.
Breaking the pattern results in “no time”.
Sources
Canadian Finals Rodeo, https://www.cfr.ca.
Canadian Pro Rodeo Association, “Canadian Finals Rodeo”, https://rodeocanada.com/canadian-finals-rodeo/, 12 October 2024.
The NFR is the championship rodeo of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA). Taking place annually throughout the first full week of December at the Thomas & Mack Center in Nevada, Las Vegas. The event highlights the talents and dedication of the PRCA’s top 15 competitors for each rodeo event including bull riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing and steer wrestling as they compete for the world title.
The competitors must earn their spot at the NFR through qualifying, which includes winning the season title during regular rodeo season. It is the grand finale of the rodeo year. The event showcases the rich culture and traditions of rodeo, along with having a competitive spirit from the participants. The NFR atmosphere is filled with excitements and adrenaline, it has live entertainments, vendor exhibits and sense of community.
Events within the NFR
There are seven events and nine championships sanctioned by the PRCA.
Bareback Riding – the rider must stay on a bucking horse for eight seconds with only the support of their “rigging” which is attached by a cinch and latigos. The riders goal is to complete a 8 second ride while maintaining control of themselves while the horses bucking, jumping etc, and then is judged out of 100 points. The better control and movement preformed by the horse and rider the higher the score. Bareback riding is one of the most challenging events that highlights both rider and horse skill and strength.
Steer Wrestling – other wise known as “Bulldogging”, this event has two participants, one participants job is to stay beside the steer to make sure it doesn’t go astray, where as the other (contestant/main rider) will jump/lean off his horse grabbing onto a steers horns and “wrestle” it to the ground. The winner of this event is the contestant who wrestles the steer to the ground the fastest.
Team Roping – this is the only professional team event in the rodeo. There are two riders on horseback, one is called a “header”, the other called a “heeler”, these riders chase and restrain a full-grown steer. The header ropes the steers horns and pulls the steer so that the heeler is able to rope the steers two hind legs. Once roped successfully, the riders pull the steer between them to make sure the rope is taut. Again, this is a timed event and the fastest team wins. This event originated through the methods of roping and retraining the steer while on the ranch.
Saddle Bronc Riding – similar to bareback riding, the rider must ride a horse for 8 full seconds although they use a saddle without a horn and a bronc rein to support them. The same rules apply between bareback bronc riding and saddle bronc riding, they also have the same judging system, where the best control taken into consideration.
Tie-Down Roping – like team roping, this event is also based off of ranch work where calves are roped for branding, veterinarian appointments and more. This event is the oldest / longest running timed event within the rodeo. The rider will follow a calf out of the chute, where they rope the running calf around its neck, then the horse will stop and holds the roper taut as the rider dismounts, runs to the calf and then throws calf to the ground where the rider ties three feet together. In all events the animals and riders have purpose although in this event the horse and rider work as a team to succeed.
Barrel Racing – another timed speed event within the rodeo, this event the rider and horse work as a team to complete a clover leaf pattern around three barrels. Horses and rider must make agile turns without knocking the barrels. This event is exclusively a women’s sport although males occasionally compete in certain rodeos. The contestant with the fastest time throughout the pattern with the least amount of faults wins.
Bull Riding – this event is another bucking animal event, riders attempt to ride an adult bucking bull for 8 seconds. The same rules and judging system from the bucking horse categories apply to bull riding. The harder the bull is to ride and the more control that the rider has throughout the 8 seconds will get a higher score. Although this event has the same rules and system it is quite different from the bucking horse events, the skills and equipment differ in a sense but the overall difference is the danger involved. Bulls have a fight response, which means once the rider has fallen they more likely to get injured by the bull after the ride. Bull fighters and occasional rodeo clowns work to distract the bull during and after the ride to prevent injuries or “attacks” from the bull.
All – Around – this is not an event whereas it is an world title award. This is given to the contestant who has earned / won the highest amount of money is two or more events. This is often why rodeo participants ride in multiple events.
The Animal Athletes within the NFR
The animals in the NFR are just as much athletes as the contestants. Like the contestants, the animals must qualify for the competitions. In the events like bronc riding and bull riding, the stock contribute half of the total score. The NFR showcases the animals talents just as much as the riders. In order for the stock to be selected for the NFR, they are judged as soon as rodeo season starts, by the time that season has ended, many have already completed the qualifications needed for the competition. Like the riders, the bucking animals are able to win money and awards.
The stock contractor is a person or company that supplies the bucking stock to rodeos, their job is to breed, raise and train the animals and are responsible for making them suitable for competition. For many, their goal is to have their bucking animal selected for the NFR, which is a huge honour. In order to qualify, the animal must have competed on a minimum of eight times at PRCA events which gives the contractors the opportunity to nominate their best horses and bulls. These nominations must be submitted by September 1st, where the event directors review, and create a list of 100 animals that give the riders the best opportunities. The NFR General Manager of Production and the PRCA Administration review the final selection before the official stock rosters is published.
In the other events like barrel racing and roping, the horse and rider work as a team to complete their goals. The horses are also breed, raised and trained for their jobs as a rope or barrel horse. The riders and horses work their way up in the rodeo world. You may be a great roper but if your horse doesn’t know what he/she is doing, you likely won’t get the job done. Like the bucking stock, the horses are there to do their job and make their owner look good.
The animals are highly respected in the rodeo world. The animals go through training and practice just like the competitors. With more than 700 head of livestock, including 310 head of bucking stock, 75 calves and 120 steers for roping, 90 contestant horses and 50 horses who participate in grand entry, the NFR would not be possible without these animal athletes.
“National Finals Rodeo.” Oklahoma Historical Society | OHS, www.okhistory.org/publications/enc/entry?entry=NA008.
Schrock, Katie. “What Does It Take to Qualify for the National Finals Rodeo?” That Western Life, That Western Life, 31 Dec. 2022, www.thatwesternlife.com/podcast/episode108.
Math : Cross-curricular activities are important to math as students are able to measure dimensions, calculate volumes and explore the shapes. This will give students the opportunity to measure more accurately. It can reinforce different concepts to students like proportion or volume and surface area.
Science: Using 3D design in Science students are able to create models of different learning topics like ecosystems or anatomy as well as simple machines like levers or pulleys. All topics reinforce their learning of force, or motion, sustainability and giving them the chance to learn about anatomy in a hands-on aspect.
Art :
Art may be one of the most popular reasons to use 3D design or printing as students are able to create sculptures and art pieces. They are able to express their creativity and culture in a more interactive way. They would also be given the opportunity to explore with different textures, colours, painting and more.
History :
By giving students the opportunity to use 3D design in a history lesson, students are able to recreate historical artifacts or landmarks. This gives them the opportunity to expand their knowledge on these cultures as well as think about the thought process of the original creators.
Literacy :
By connecting literacy and 3D printing, students are given the chance to create “real life” characters for stories they write or draw. They are able to create a “real life” setting for their story to take place. Students would also be able to take characters from an already written story and bring them to life.
What are the potential pros and cons of using 3D Design and print in Grade 2
Engagement : in Grade 2 students are still amazed by almost everything. Having 3D learning within the classroom will have many students captivated and fully engaged in the lesson or activity. By doing so this turns the learning fun and students wanting to do it more.
Hands – On Learning : This will help students gain a better understanding of learning concepts through tactile experience. Many students need to see or feel a concept for it to click in their brain.
Real-World Skill : By starting students young with real world skills like proportions or design or even technology, students have more opportunities outside of school as well as find a new hobby or interest. Many students may not realize they are good at Art if they are not given the opportunity to explore all ranges like sculptures rater than just drawing.
Cons :
Resources : Depending on the school, a 3D printer may not be realistic for their budget. Printers and design need technology and a variety of materials. Educators must be able to safely operate and teach others how to use the system which means they must spend time go through a learning process.
Complexity : 3D printing and design is not always the simplest. Young students especially in grades under 3 may struggle with the design software and the instructions. This can lead to frustration, which turns into projects not always being done properly and students will likely become discouraged and disengaged.
Time Consuming : Educators must get through a lot of information within a school day. Unfortunately, 3D printing is not a quick task, meaning it will either take time away from other subjects or students will get frustrated because they are unable to finish their project that day.
Include a screenshot of one of the 3D Designs you made during the workshop
Rodeos originally originated in Mexico in the early 1800’s, where cowboys worked on perfecting their roping and riding. When not doing ranch work, the cowboys would make a competition between ranches of who could ride the rankest horses or throw the best rope, this quickly drew a crowd.
As the years went on and Texas took over parts of Mexico, this “competition” and culture got absorbed into the Western American culture. Eventually in 1883, the event Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show started and in 1893 it became one of the most popular events hosting three million attendees at the World’s Columbian Exposition. In 1945, the cowboy union named themselves as the Rodeo Cowboys Association, where the sports name became common. 30 years later, the organization had become one of the worlds largest associations and gained the name of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association otherwise known as the PRCA.
In the last few years, there are have been more than 5,000 competitors and thousands in noncompeting roles. Hundreds of events are hosted throughout the year by the PRCA, competitors then head to finals where they compete for the winning prize money of millions of dollars.
Although many of the rodeo sports focused on the men of the Western World, women quickly took shot at the rodeo world in the early 1940s. They attempted the cowgirl bronc riding contest which was suggested by Gene Autry. However, this did not last long and quickly the cowgirl sections disappeared from the rodeos. However, these strong willed cowgirls did not give up on getting back into the sport and in 1948, the Girl’s Rodeo Association, which is now called the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) was formed by a group in Texas. The women quickly made their way back into the rodeo world specifically in barrel racing which spread through the country.
Lack of Knowledge : GenAI is taught a certain level of knowledge. It may not have up to date information on specific events or topics.
Biased Responses : With the knowledge that GenAI has, it may have biases present in the data. Typical biases could include stereotypes, cultural biases or environmental biases.
Limited Creativity : GenAI may appear creative although there is no original thought behind it due to it being trained on how to respond.
Lack of Reasoning : GenAI does not have the ability to reasons like a human can, therefore its responses can not apply common sense or make inferences.
Dependency Risk : people may become overly dependent on GenAI, which can take away their ability to think critically or independently.
Academic Integrity : Using GenAI in either assessments or assignments, may cause others to question the originality or creativity in ones work.
Possible uses for GenAI in school settings at the grade 2
GenAI can help students with their homework as it can guide the students through the necessary steps instead of giving them the answers right away.
GenAI can simplify the explanations of concepts to a student who may not be understanding it right away.
GenAI can help teachers by suggesting books that focus on students reading levels and interests.
GenAI can aide students with their learning languages (new or native), it can create worksheets to expand their vocabulary or create simple conversations which allow students to practice their speaking and listening.
2. Classroom Management
GenAI can provide teachers with strategies to positivity reinforce behaviour within the classroom.
GenAI can create automated reminders about upcoming events or homework to help kids stay organized.
GenAI can help teachers with relaxation activities that can help students regulate their emotions during chaotic times.
GenAI can give prompts for journaling within the classroom that focus on reflections and feelings.
Not Appropriate uses for GenAI in school settings at the grade 2
Students may become dependant on GenAI to help them with their homework. This means the children may not be grasping the concepts of learning and start to lack their skills of thinking critically and problem solving.
There is a lack of hands on learning, students at this age need lots of activities that have physical interactions. GenAI is not able to produce that.
GenAI can be very complex and use words that are too complicated for this grade level.
By using GenAI in the terms of homework may cause issues for students as they may not have the ability to access the internet let alone generative AI websites etc.
2. Classroom Management
Children do not have a long attention span, therefore using GenAI to keep the students engaged will likely be difficult.
Teachers will not have control over what the children are using AI for, this could lead to children seeing things they should not see or should be learning about just yet.
Relying on GenAI can hinder experiences for students, like creating in person connections with their classmates and learning how to fluctuate in friendships.
How you’ve found GenAI useful or not for educational purposes.
GenAI has many different forms of being useful for educational purposes. In university I found it to be useful when analyzing or simplifying large texts. I find there are many times where the wording of assignments are complex or I do not understand it, therefore, generative AI is able to simplify that question so I can understand it.Things like voice to text is incredibly useful for students when it comes to writing assignments, many find it easier to voice their ideas and turn it into text rather than taking the time to write out all their thoughts. It is also useful when coming up with prompts for projects or assignments.
Although it can not be useful as I do not want to become reliant on it. I find it can be an easy way out and it is something that takes away from some of my learning. As we know sometimes generative AI can give us wrong answers or incorrect information, which can result in the wrong simplification or analysis of a text.
My Free Inquiry Project has taken me some time to come up with as I wanted it to be something that really interests me. In order to make my decision I started with the idea around my horse. Growing up I have always been involved in the horse world and it is something that I hope to carry throughout my entire life. I am lucky enough to be able to have a horse and move up in the industry. However, I found that focusing my project on my horse would be difficult as she is not on the island with me. I altered my idea to the horse world, which I didn’t think I could write enough on it so I altered my idea again which I ultimately landed on the topic of the Rodeo Industry.
I chose the rodeo industry as my inquiry topic as it is something that really interests me. Throughout the spring and summer of 2024 I travelled around BC watching and supporting the rodeo circuit. I learned a lot through these trips and made some close connections to people within the industry. I also worked with a family friend who is a Champion Barrel Racer as well as a Champion Breakaway Roper, I learned a lot from her and am lucky to continue to work with her to learn more. Travelling to these events as well as working with her made me more and more interested in pushing myself and my horse to enter some of the events. Ultimately I chose this topic because it is something I am passionate about and hopefully something I will be able to pursue in the following years.
Image by Me
Topics I will research
Rodeo History
NFR
PBR
Rodeos within BC
History of Breakaway Roping
Why Breakaway Roping interests me
Rodeo Community
I will hopefully have a total of 10 subtopics. At the moment I have 7 but will expand my research as the project goes on.
According to an article written by the Jacksonville State University, Richard Mayer created the Multi-Media Learning Theory to influence the way that online, blended courses and instructional materials are designed. This theory can help create more effective and instructional videos in many different ways.
For starters, using visuals and texts, by incorporating images, diagrams and text to emphasize the topic. This flows into the idea of active engagement, having interactive elements which makes the learner more inclined to participate or interact with what they’ve learnt. By having different medias like videos, and graphics within a presentation also helps those who have different learning methods.
Following this, adding check ins to the presentation or lessons gives the learners a chance to check their understanding, which can help them when it comes to studying as they are able to figure out what sections they may need to brush up on. This also gives the educators a chance to see where their students are at with understanding the topic, teachers may need to focus more on a specific section of the lesson.
By adding these ideas of Multi-Media Learning Theory into instructional videos and tutorials, learners are more likely to gain a deeper understanding of the topic, have better engagement to the lesson and are more likely to remember what was taught. Overall, these would lead to more effective learning for many students with different learning methods.
Describe what a Flipped Classroom teaching model could look like for grade 2
A flipped classroom teaching model for grade 2 is made for students to engage in content through instructional videos and readings. Where they then use their class time to engage in activities, discussions and collaborative learning. Flipped classroom would be implemented in the way of having home learning through short video lessons about key concepts like math strategies or online activities like games and quizzes which focus on the concepts covered in the videos or readings. Students will then take this learning into the classroom where they are able to work on collaborative projects, hands on learning and get the support needed by their teachers.
What are some of the strengths and weaknesses of this approach for grade 2?
Students are able to engage in activities that are more hands-on which creates a more critical and collaborative way of learning.
By having a more interactive activities, students are more likely to stay engaged with their learning.
This gives children the ability to take ownership of their learning. They are able to feel more independence within their schooling.
Teachers and educators are able to identify where students may need extra support in their learning, which gives them the ability to help the students gain a better understanding on a deeper level.
Weakness of having a Flipped Classroom
At the level of grade 2, students are not independent enough to understand and access any class content at home. This means they will be relying on their parents or guardians to help them, which could cause issues for some families for various reasons.
Students at this age also have a shorter attention span which means that the content will have to be engaging to hold their attention.
Students may not have the ability to access the internet or devices like computers, tablets etc at home. Students would then be unable to get the proper learning.
This also means parents will be more hands on with their children learning which may take both students and parents time to adjust and may cause some challenges.
Image taken from Noor Sweid https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/reimagining-education-noor-sweid
Needing to reimagine education is a personal feeling. There are many reasons why education should be reimagined although there are many reasons that could cause challenges in the idea of reimagining education.
Reasons to reimagine education.
Technology – with the changing world of technology, education systems must be willing and ready to adapt to the changes and enhancements.
Engagement – traditional ways of education can often be disengaging for students. By reimagining education, teachers can add in more engaging learning like project based or personalized activities.
Diversity – reimagined education can create more inclusive and personalized learning methods to focus on the diversity in learning styles.
Reasons not to reimagine education.
Change – reimagining education will likely affect both students, teachers and guardians as the change can put pressure on one’s mental health. Many don’t like change due to the fear of going out of their comfort zone. There may also be concerns of the effectiveness from new methods.
Standards – changing education will mean there is an adjustment to how students are assessed. Educators may find it difficult to find a balance in testing students with the current assessments and a new strategy.
Support – by adding new methods of teaching / testing, teachers will likely need extra support or education in the job. Without the proper support or education, the educators may struggle when it comes to new the methods.
My personal opinion on reimagining education is that it should be reimagined to an extent. As times change, education must change so our students can adapt to the world they are living in and can properly prepare for their future. At the same time, there are methods of education that seem to work consistently and is effective for both teachers and students. I believe that education must be fit to the individual needs and styles of learning. Yes, this may become more difficult for teachers as they could have a variety of students who have a variety of needs although this is where the extra support for teachers comes in. The idea of reimagining education is a good idea but there are factors that must be considered and options to be weighed.
What obstacles do educators face when they try to change pedagogy?
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There are many obstacles that educators will face when they try to change pedagogy. Starting with the fear of change, many have already established comfort within their methods of teaching. This change can be scary or uncomfortable for the educators due to the fear of unknown, or worry about the efficacy of the new methods. There is also the obstacle of insufficient resources, new methods may need certain materials, environments or technology that may not be affordable or available for some schools. Lastly. there is the obstacle of the student readiness. Learners may struggle with new methods of education and the teachers must to be able to manage those changes as well as making sure their students learning is not compromised.
Pros and Cons of Lesson Plansvs Learning Plans
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Lesson Plan Pros
Structure – provide clear, step-by-step for what is taught / expected within the class.
Preparation – detailed and clear lesson plans make it easier for the educators to prepare the needed materials and resources in advance which helps stay organized.
Focus – concentrates on specific content and skills, giving the students and teachers a clear way to teach/learn certain objectives for each lesson.
Lesson Plan Cons
Flexibility – can leave little room for flexibility and adjustments which may be needed for certain students needs or interests.
Student Input – heavily focused on what the teacher will teach the students which can lack students interests or feedback.
Focus – teachers may focus too much on sticking to what is on the lesson plan instead of adapting to the various needs of the classroom, which can effect students who have IEP’s etc.
Learning Plan Pros
Student Focus – these plans generally focus on the students goals, interests, needs and enhances a more personalized learning environment/experience.
Flexibility – lesson plans have more flexibility around instructions, as well as accommodating students who have different learning styles or strategies.
Independence – often encourages students to take responsibility of their learning, helps students set goals as well as see their personal progress in the classroom.
Learning Plan Cons
Structure – might lack certain details that is needed for daily instructions.
Assessments – learning plans can make it more difficult on teachers/educators to assess a student as it is their individualized goals.
Implementation – learning plans might require more effort to develop and implementation into the classroom. The individualized plans need to work with curriculum requirements which may be difficult.
