Summary: Identifying Similarities and Differences
Identifying similarities and differences are very useful strategies for helping students to move from knowledge based understanding to learning how to analyze and evaluate concepts that they are learning. Pitler, Hubble, and Khun (2012) recommend 3 ways to implement these strategies into our classrooms by using variety, guidance, and supporting cues.
According to Silver (2010), compare and contrast strategies can strengthen students memories, develop higher-order thinking skills, increase student comprehension, enhance students’ writing in the content areas, and develop students’ habits of mind.
Summary: Generating and Testing Hypotheses
Generating and testing hypotheses allows students to apply their knowledge in multiple ways as they solve a particular problem. According Pitler, Hubble, and Khun (2012), “the four processes that teachers can use to help students generate and test hypotheses are (1) systems analysis, (2)problem solving, (3)experimental inquiry, and (4) investigation” (pg. 205)
This instructional strategy has shown to be more effective than traditional teaching methods, and it helps students to be responsible for their learning. The students are forced to think critically about the content that they are learning, and it gives students practice with working on real world issues causing them to draw from everything that they have learned in multiple subjects.
Technology Tool 1: Microsoft Word Venn Diagram
I chose to use a version of a Venn Diagram created in Microsoft Word to use as my technology tool. The Venn Diagram is a very visual way to identify and visually map out the similarities and differences in works of art. There are 4 levels of art criticism that students learn when they take art, and they practice art criticism on different levels depending on their grade level. The 4 levels of criticism are describe, analyze, interpret, and evaluate.
I would like to use this template throughout my art classes, even starting with 1st grade using a different format to accommodate their age.
The Venn Diagram can be used in a variety of ways and applied in a variety of settings. I can have students choose 2 different artists from their books, or I can project the artists on the screen for them. I can also assign students to create their own Venn Diagrams and teach them how to make them in class for a homework assignment.
There are different ways to create Venn Diagrams without using Microsoft Word, but I have found Word very easy and user friendly.
Creating Venn Diagrams with Microsoft Word gets a 5 out of 5 stars.
Identifying similarities and differences are very useful strategies for helping students to move from knowledge based understanding to learning how to analyze and evaluate concepts that they are learning. Pitler, Hubble, and Khun (2012) recommend 3 ways to implement these strategies into our classrooms by using variety, guidance, and supporting cues.
According to Silver (2010), compare and contrast strategies can strengthen students memories, develop higher-order thinking skills, increase student comprehension, enhance students’ writing in the content areas, and develop students’ habits of mind.
Summary: Generating and Testing Hypotheses
Generating and testing hypotheses allows students to apply their knowledge in multiple ways as they solve a particular problem. According Pitler, Hubble, and Khun (2012), “the four processes that teachers can use to help students generate and test hypotheses are (1) systems analysis, (2)problem solving, (3)experimental inquiry, and (4) investigation” (pg. 205)
This instructional strategy has shown to be more effective than traditional teaching methods, and it helps students to be responsible for their learning. The students are forced to think critically about the content that they are learning, and it gives students practice with working on real world issues causing them to draw from everything that they have learned in multiple subjects.
Technology Tool 1: Microsoft Word Venn Diagram
I chose to use a version of a Venn Diagram created in Microsoft Word to use as my technology tool. The Venn Diagram is a very visual way to identify and visually map out the similarities and differences in works of art. There are 4 levels of art criticism that students learn when they take art, and they practice art criticism on different levels depending on their grade level. The 4 levels of criticism are describe, analyze, interpret, and evaluate.
I would like to use this template throughout my art classes, even starting with 1st grade using a different format to accommodate their age.
The Venn Diagram can be used in a variety of ways and applied in a variety of settings. I can have students choose 2 different artists from their books, or I can project the artists on the screen for them. I can also assign students to create their own Venn Diagrams and teach them how to make them in class for a homework assignment.
There are different ways to create Venn Diagrams without using Microsoft Word, but I have found Word very easy and user friendly.
Creating Venn Diagrams with Microsoft Word gets a 5 out of 5 stars.
compare_and_contrast_venn_diagram.docx |
Technology Tool 2: Interactive Budget created in Excel
I chose to create an interactive budget using Microsoft Excel. I would like to integrate this technology tool in having my senior students create a mural plan for different areas on campus. Their project will be to choose a wall located on campus, and come up with a design concept for a wall mural. The students will select a theme appropriate for the area on campus that they choose, and they must incorporate scripture that corresponds with the overall theme as well. The students will be receiving a $500 budget to create their work and to buy supplies for the mural. Using the interactive budget in Excel the students are able to input data, and estimate exactly how much it actually costs to create a mural. The students will be able to compare their estimates and the actual cost of purchasing all materials.
I really like how Excel already had a worksheet template for me to edit, because putting everything together would take a long time. I would like to explore these templates and create my own for the other parts of the project such as the timeline that they need to create to complete the project. Overall the project challenges students to use many different skills besides art to solve a visual problem.
I would like to explore Excel more and learn how to create my own custom sheets in the future.
I give Excel templates 5 stars out of 5.
I chose to create an interactive budget using Microsoft Excel. I would like to integrate this technology tool in having my senior students create a mural plan for different areas on campus. Their project will be to choose a wall located on campus, and come up with a design concept for a wall mural. The students will select a theme appropriate for the area on campus that they choose, and they must incorporate scripture that corresponds with the overall theme as well. The students will be receiving a $500 budget to create their work and to buy supplies for the mural. Using the interactive budget in Excel the students are able to input data, and estimate exactly how much it actually costs to create a mural. The students will be able to compare their estimates and the actual cost of purchasing all materials.
I really like how Excel already had a worksheet template for me to edit, because putting everything together would take a long time. I would like to explore these templates and create my own for the other parts of the project such as the timeline that they need to create to complete the project. Overall the project challenges students to use many different skills besides art to solve a visual problem.
I would like to explore Excel more and learn how to create my own custom sheets in the future.
I give Excel templates 5 stars out of 5.
mural_project_budget.xlsx |
References:
Pitler, H., Kuhn, M., & Hubbell, E. R. (2012). Using Technology with Classroom Instruction That Works. Alexandria, Va: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.
Silver, H. F. (2010). Compare and contrast [Review of the book Compare & contrast]. Retrieved from http://www.ascd.org/ publications/books /110126/chapters/Section-1 @-Why- Compare- $-Contrast%C2%A2.aspx
Pitler, H., Kuhn, M., & Hubbell, E. R. (2012). Using Technology with Classroom Instruction That Works. Alexandria, Va: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.
Silver, H. F. (2010). Compare and contrast [Review of the book Compare & contrast]. Retrieved from http://www.ascd.org/ publications/books /110126/chapters/Section-1 @-Why- Compare- $-Contrast%C2%A2.aspx