Module 4 Activity 3

Blog Prompt: In this activity you developed assessments to use before, during and after the project work. What methods and tools did you use to clearly define expectations and standards for quality in student products and performances?

I will be using several forms of assessments during my unit on the music of China.
Student's prior knowledge of instrument families will be assessed through the use of a smartboard activity. During the unit students will take a CPS quiz on the music of China to assess knowledge that has been gained through the unit. Students will also complete a visual ranking tool during the unit.
At the end of the unit on Chinese music the students will create their very own musical instrument by using kidspiration. Students will be graded through the use of a rubric.

Module 3 Activity 2

Prompt: How do you believe the Visual Ranking Tool would promote higher-order thinking in your classroom?

I think that the visual ranking tool would be a very valubale tool to use in my classroom.
Students would need to use higher order thinking skills because it is asking them to order a list of items according to what they believe the order of importance is. This also allows students to collaborate with other team mates and it encourages them to look at a problem from another students point of view.

Module2 Activity4

My unit is based on the music of China. We have been learning about a new country each month in music this year (Music from Around the World) and we are just beginning to look at China. These are the activities that I have chosen to meet my objectives.

Activities:

Students will review the four families of instruments found in Western music by using a smartboard sorting activity.

Students will discuss 5 features that make Chinese music sound different than Western music after reading the supplied cue sheet based on an online podcast about Chinese music.

Students will listen to 3 podcasts about different types of Chinese music.

Students will use a trackstar activity to find more information on Chinese instruments.

Students will create their own instrument.

Module 2: Activity1 - Verbinator

The verbinator was a real eye-opener for me. I pasted the 4 benchmarks that I chose for my LaTEL lesson and I was suprised by the levels that they achieved.

I do feel that I rely on the knowledge level of questioning to much in my classroom.
When I use higher order questioning techniques my students really seem to enjoy speaking their own thoughts and exploring new ideas.
Now that I see what levels my chosen benchmarks are capable of reaching I want to rethink my line of questioning.

Welcome to my blog

I will be posting on this blog while participating in the LaTEL class.

I would like to share a little bit about my classroom.

My classroom is a positive environment for students to grow and learn in. My lessons are mainly student centered. I model a new activity a few times for students and then I like for them to take over. That way the students can take on the role of the teacher and I can be more of an observer. I believe that using student led activities helps to boost their self esteem and make the learning experience a lasting one.