you're right!
i am incredibly behind in the kick start your blogging activities.
but i haven't given up yet.
one of the choices for activity 2 was to post a link to an effective blog post . i probably liked tracy watanabe's post so much because i have been spending a good chunk of time pondering "projects." i am presently working as a paraprofessional in middle school inclusion classes - remedial math, social studies, remedial ell, and science.
i have come to the realization that assigned projects are often a matter of copying down information (hopefully summarized in the students' own words). often times the projects are colorful and full of facts and details - they look neat, pretty, and organized.
unfortunately, i have been part of too many conversations w/students where it has become obvious that the they really do not have a firm understanding of the material, concepts and how/why this information can be used or applied in life-beyond-the-classroom.
tracy's blog was effective for a number of reasons:
- white space-making it easy to read
- sub-titles-letting the rushed and/or tired reader get ready for the next bit of thinking (also making it easier to go back and find a previously read section)
- real-world guiding questions for evaluating assignments
- links to other resources
- graphics-help link the written word to concepts (also helps some of us with recall)
next time i'm asked for feedback on an activity, i'll have someplace to start my thoughts.
~striving to be a life-long learner!
