Blog Entry #8

Low-Stakes Writing - I like the suggestion of allowing students to do low-stakes writing in a mode of free writing. This skill is important to allow students to be creative and not to worry so much about grammar and sentence structure. This activity does not how to take a great deal of time (just 5-10 minutes is sufficient). When I taught in a public school setting, I would have students participate in free writing about once a week. The topic typically dealt with the topic at hand and usually centered around an ethical issue. A simple example could be, "do you think people without insurance should receive the same quality health care as someone with insurance"? I can see myself using this in a wellness class a few times during the semester. This would allow students to express themselves on a wellness topic. A topic in an introduction wellness course could be, "Which dimension of wellness is most important and why". This should prove to be beneficial for students who do not like to speak up in class. A nice site to get ideas related to low-stakes writing is: http://pages.cms.k12.nc.us/gems/bfghs/lowstakeswritingassignments.pdf

Peer Learning - It appears that most students enjoy working with students on assignments, but not all students. I remember some of my high school not liking to work in groups because of past experiences when someone did not "pull their weight". I believe I would make them work in a group using the analogy that they need to learn how to work in groups in "real life". I feel that most college students are able to work in groups. I could honestly see group activities as part of my course objectives. I like then tips noted in the book such as:
*Give students a few minutes at the end of class to make plans.
*Move around and listen to be sure students are not lost and confused.
*Have students discuss what contributes to effective group functioning.
*Set short and long-term goals.

The Learning Cell - I really liked this idea and feel this would be an effective way for students to learn. I like when students read the same materials and ask each other questions. I have personally participated in this type of activity when I would read a chapter, and two others would each read a different chapter. In groups of three, we would then teach each about the chapter we read. I found this activity fun and a nice way to learn. I can see myself using this technique in my classes, but would be sure as an instructor to hit the "high points" of each chapter to be sure nothing was missed.

Games - I am a strong believer in games in the classroom. Games can not only teach important concepts, but can also make the class fun. In the past, my high school students have participated in "pictionary" and "family feud" type games to help them learn about health topics. There are "buzzers" and other devices that can be purchased to be used in class. I have used "buzzers" in a workshop when the instructors wanted to assess learning. It was really fun and helped to reinforce what the presenters taught. I plan on having games and maybe even using "buzzers" a few times during the semester when I teach at the college level. Buzzers can be found at: http://www.trainerswarehouse.com/products.asp?dept=122