Today, we focused on several areas impacting instruction, assessment, and technology use in the classroom such as how to model LoTi 3 investigations (remember the Monster Exchange for Elementary School, Reaction Time for Middle School, and Electoral College for High School ) as well as how to conduct an Lesson Plan Analysis on a sample web-based project (i.e., WebQuest - And They Came to the Streets that were Paved with Gold).
We also reviewed the procedures for your staff to complete the DETAILS for the 21st Century Questionnaire and then completed Certification Task #2 (Individualized Professional Development Plans) for a sample teacher.
I introduced another concept called H.E.A.T. to help us think about ways of implementing LoTi and 21st Century Skills/Content in the classroom. Based on the Partnership for the 21st Century, these 21st Century Skills/Content include:
21st Century Learning Skills
Information and Communication Skills
- Information and Media Literacy
- Communication Skills
Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills
- Critical Thinking and Systems Thinking
- Problem-solving
- Creativity and Intellectual Curiosity
Interpersonal and Self-Directional Skills
- Interpersonal and Collaborative Skills
- Self-direction
- Accountability and Adaptability
- Social Responsibility
21st Century Content
Global Awareness
Financial, Economic, Business and Entrepreneurial Literacy
Civic Literacy
Health and Wellness Awareness
I used a lava lamp as a metaphor to represent the different levels of LoTi in the classroom. What causes one lesson to be at a higher LoTi level than another relates directly to the amount of HEAT generated.
HEAT
- Higher order thinking
- Engaged learning
- Authenticity
- Technology tools
Keep in mind that the H.E.A.T. acronym represents four of the dimensions from the larger scoring guide that we use to evaluate lesson plans and instructional units. The reasons for addressing only four dimensions are threefold: (1) KISS principle, (2) reduce the amount of staff anxiety-already too many competing priorities going on in the classroom, and (3) hit the critical elements first.
We ended the day with conducting a H.E.A.T. observation of a middle school science classroom focusing on heat transfer.
May the LoTi Be With You Always!
Chris
Requested Links:
Survey Monkey
Zoo Tycoon
Explore Learning - Gizmos
National Budget Simulation
Baby Name Wizard
