Students are the best when they can learn by doing things on their own. They will "apply content knowledge like facts and vocabulary, and enhance their overall understanding to the content" (Pitler, 2007). By working with my new age group of students, I have learned that even at an early age like my fifth graders that they are very good problem solvers. "They look at various solutions given the obstacles and restraints posed by the problem", (Pitler, 2007). Just the other day they were given a problem about finding a certain number after figuring out which divisibility rule would or would not be used. My group of fifth graders are great at debating each other, so I was able to put them in groups to decided which rules applied. A tool that I saw in my reading was for data collection and it was to make a chart on a spreadsheet. I feel that students could set up the rule in one row at a time and placed an X if the problem applied to the divisibility rule. I have modeled creating spreadsheets a few times to my students and I feel that before I set them up on a computer that they should be able to model a paper and pencil chart first. This way they will understand the purpose of the data collection and have a visual as to how easier it becomes to set up a chart and use this tool for group discussions.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
I think when students are given the opportunity to problem solve they become great problem solvers. This is great that your students are already advanced in this area. I teach fourth grade and at times it is a struggle to get my students thinking about the steps it will take to solve the problem at hand. I think problem solving and asking questions is a skill that can most certainly be developed and perfected but one that each student needs to have the experience with.
ReplyDeleteI agree, that before students access technology to do things that could be done with paper and pencil, they need to know the reason of why and how it all goes together. The paper and pencil lesson that you instruct prior to accessing a spreadsheet a great example of this.
You make a great point that students should be able to model a pencil and paper chart first. I think that helps them appreciate some of the technology that is now available to enhance our learning and teaching strategies.
ReplyDeleteYour students already being strong problem solvers sets up nicely for much of your teaching instruction this year. This can lead to an increase in student centered learning in your classroom and give you an opportunity to create lessons that incorporate critical thinking skills and student collaboration. Good luck with the new age group!
Lisa and Mike,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your support of the "old ways" of paper and pencil. I know my administration wants to see more technology being done as well, but I guess we have to face it: we still have to start out slow and then work towards the technology. I fear that if my students were just given a lap top that they would start to misuse it and not follow directions because they would be so excited about using technology and that lesson would be lost for the day.