Blog Post #6

Through the conversations with Anthony Capps I was able to truly see the advantages of Project Based Learning and how amazing it can be when used correctly in the classroom. Personally, I loved hearing about the fun and exciting projects Mr. Capps has done with his 3rd graders; he seems to be on the right track towards making learning more effective. 

In Project Based Learning Part 1: Experiences of a 3rd Grade Teacher, Anthony Capps explains why Project Based Learning is so great, he emphasizes the fact that children are stimulated when they can create something and learn as they create and do research.  I thought it was very interesting how Mr. Capps mentioned that PBL is more effective when the students are reaching for a goal and have an audience to be motivated by. Something that Mr. Capps said that resonated with me is, "In Project Based Learning, the most crucial part is the opportunity to revise and reflect on their work" I very much agree that this aspect of PBL is so monumental in the development of a child's learning process. 

With  Project Based Learning Part 2: Experiences of a 3rd Grade Teacher , the second portion of Mr. Capp's experiences with PBL, he speaks about a certain project he did with his 3rd graders involving research of life in Afghanistan and what it would be like to be in the shoes of a 3rd grader currently living in Afghanistan. What I loved about this project is that children learn about real life current events that involve them indirectly. The most powerful thing that I will remember from what Mr. Capps advised is to "create opportunities" for students to go beyond, I can not agree with this any more! I feel like so often, teachers create such military instructions for their students and it leaves the students no room for creativity and enjoyment in the project they are expected to complete. Projects that give the students "ownership" are the most effective. 

                           

iCurio, as explained by Anthony Capps is an online tool that allows students to safely search the internet. I've never heard of this source before, but it is definitely something I'd like to incorporate into my classroom. One neat thing that Mr. Capps pointed out that is that iCurio is great for is helping students organize the information they have found; there is a easy-to-use storage option in iCurio. Lastly, iCurio could be very useful in the classroom, for example if one of my students had a learning disability or even if they weren't a strong reader, there is a function that allows the text to be read out loud to the student so they too, can comprehend the information. 

Discovery Education is another online tool, similar to iCurio that students can use which put up videos that go along with the subjects they are researching. The most important thing that I learned from Anthony Capp's explanation of how he has used this source in his classroom is, that when students have a visual image/ video to go along with what they are reading or listening to then they are so much more likely to retain the information. The point he has made is something that is important to remind myself as a future teacher, I need to make sure I create a stimulating image to go with the subject in which I am trying to teach. 

Mr. Capps gives great advice in, The Anthony - Strange list of Tips for Teachers Part 1 , One of the most eye opening things that Anthony mentioned is that as a teacher, you are constantly learning and you must have the desire to better your teaching at all times! Collectively, it seemed that both Dr. Strange and Mr. Capps agree that Reflecting on your self as a teacher is so vital. Self improvement can only be obtained through realizing one's mistakes and then correcting them. I think reflecting is something I need to start doing in order to become a successful student and eventually, an AMAZING teacher. 

In Don't Teach Tech - Use It, Mr. Capps persuasively speaks about how technology is an almost necessarily tool in the classroom.  I was very surprised to hear him say "Technology should never be taught in the classroom" but he backed up his statement saying technology should be "introduce(d) smartly" which totally makes sense to me. It's seriously so cool to hear about these eight and nine year olds being able to navigate and use iMovie in an educational manner.  

Mr. Capps concludes with Additional Thought About Lessons, he suggests that a Lesson has four layers. The 1st layer being, a Year, and how the lesson will fit into the school year. The 2nd is Unit, how will you as a teacher, teach the lesson so that it corresponds with previous lessons and so it can connect to future lessons. The 3rd layer is Week, how will you divide the week so that every day you can accomplish a lesson. Last, he 4th layer is Day, how will you deliver your lesson so that it is captivating.

All in all, with this weeks insight from Anthony Capps I've learned that learning is infinite and it is truly incredible just how far young minds can stretch if you simply give them the resources to guide them into a world of endless learning. Have a Great Week, Justine.

An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away