How do you teach,
Do you cover the lesson and then that's it?
Do you then give a test,
Whether or not your students are abreast?
Then...
(Source: http://www.theothersideoftheequation.com/2013/04/just-stop.html)
You are doing it all wrong, great teachers consolidate!
What do I mean by consolidate?
Great teachers:
✓Review
✓Reinforce
✓Remind
This can happen at the end of the lesson, or at a later time,
Trying this in your classroom, will help your students to learn just fine.
You see I know from experience, that's what Mrs. Laz heeds,
She taught us about persuasion, and again the next class she did.
So, now I won't forget how to introduce my paragraph or how to revise it,
That's because, she quite smartly provided a checklist.
No more stressing, crying or nail biting,
I am well on my way to exceptional, persuasive writing!
(Source:https://www.pngwing.com/en/free-png-zsohi)
Will you consolidate?
Try it when you get back to the classroom, it is not too late!
"Teacher consolidates the lesson."
ReplyDeleteAs I wrote the preceding statement I could not help but giggle as I remembered Mrs. Jones saying to us that she did not understand what we meant by the word 'consolidate' when writing lesson plans during JBTE / EDCL 101/201 Reading & Writing Across the Curriculum
(EDCL). She asked this hoping that we would be able to elaborate by stating exactly what we meant.
During this semester, I noticed that Mrs. Lazarus has been taking pleasure in 'consolidating' every lesson using various strategies such as graphic organizers example OREO and checklists, as you mentioned. Additionally, she ensures that we, not her, but WE recall orally and sometimes in writing, with her guidance. Do you see the importance of 'talk' as it relates to writing and the use of visual aids to guide thinking?
Because I see the benefits of consolidating using various appropriate strategies to help my students, I assure you that I will consolidate upon my return to the classroom and hope you do the same.
Anika, I too remember that statement made by Mrs. Jones, with a chuckle. Added, the consolidations of lessons by Mrs. Lazarus have been quite beneficial to me as a learner. I've noticed that the more senses that are involved in learning, the better my understanding and retention of concepts are. That is why the visual aids and graphic organizers have been really instrumental in helping me make connections and generate and organize ideas. Talking it, is also how I know that I truly understand the concepts being taught. Seeing the impact that consolidated lessons has on me, I plan to allow my students to experience similar benefits, upon to the classroom.
ReplyDeleteHey guys. Yes consolidation is so important when teaching. As a teacher who has worked with mainly students at the lower grades, I have seen how easy it is for them to forget or misinterpret the information being presented during instruction. It takes constant reiteration, review, reminding and reinforcement for them to grasp the concepts clearly, and this as you mentioned Anika can be done in so many different ways. For example, with the young ones I use songs, games, stories and flashcards, to help consolidate important concepts.The importance of this should not be overlooked.
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