Janet Walters

February 6, 2003

ESC Region XI MTTC

 

Theories and Factors That Affect Student Learning

 

Analysis of Student Learners

Analyzing the student learners is a means to identify the learner characteristics that will likely impact the process and outcomes of the learning experience.

 

Age / Academic  Range – The age of my students will range from 12 to 17, and the academic range varies from entry-level English speaker to fairly proficient English-speaking ninth-grader. 

Advantage:  The activity will allow each student to experience success at his own individual level. 

Sex Distribution - An even distribution will not impact the lesson.

Advantage:  I don’t have to separate students in any way.

Racial, Ethnic Diversity - All students are Hispanic.  They will address the impact that immigration has had on their lives. 

Advantage:  Since they can all relate to this topic, the interest level should be high.      

Educational Level – All are operating at below grade level, so the expectations can be lowered to give them an opportunity for success.    

Advantage:  Students will not be competing with students who are native English students.

Disability or Impairment – One student is learning disabled.

Disadvantage:  This student struggles with two major problems:  limited language proficiency and a learning disorder.

 

I am going to maximize the profile of the students by letting them address immigration.  Other students could not identify with this topic like these ESL students can, and they realize that they can make a unique contribution to others’ understanding of the immigration process.

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Analysis of the Environment

Analyzing the environment is a means to identify the issues that will impact the (a) process of the design and production, (b) implementation, and (c) outcomes of the learning experience.

 

Materials Required – paper for the printer                                          

Production Equipment Available – computers, camera, and printer

Advantage:  I have the equipment and there will be no cost involved.

Time for Design and Production – 2 or 3 class periods

Department Technology Requirements – Computers with Internet access and word processing software are available in a lab.

Class Size  - The class is small, made up of  9 students, so I can provide lots of individual help.

Advantage:  The class size makes learning new computer skills easier.

Class Period Length – 1½ hours every other day

Advantage:  The modified block provides plenty of time to work on the project.

Location – Some of the work will be done in the classroom; some will be done in the computer lab.

Lighting - adequate

Temperature -  comfortable                                                  

Equipment – Each student will have a computer.

Advantage:  Each student will be accountable.

Technology Support – readily available if there are problems

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State Requirements - The lesson plan will reflect the TEKS for language instruction.

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Analysis of Content

Analyzing the content is a means to identify in general terms the topics to be addressed in your lesson and to analyze these topics in terms of the requisite sub-topics, and degree of learning difficulty.

 

Lesson – How To Write an Autobiography

Reading an autobiography – developmentally ready for an autobiography on 2nd –grade reading level

Brainstorming for scope and sequence of the narrative for an autobiography

Advantage:  Students will use their native language and English to clarify their thinking

Vocabulary for an autobiography – We have been studying family names and words for travel in past vocabulary lessons; those words will help with this project.

Advantage:  The lesson will build on prior knowledge.

Using a digital camera to take photos of students – developmentally ready and will be delighted to handle the camera

Accessing a web page to retrieve photos of students – Some have little experience with the Internet, but they are developmentally ready for this skill.

Advantage:  The school has web access in almost every classroom and in all labs.

Word-processing skills – For some, it is hunt and pick.

Disadvantage:  For some, the composition will be very slow.

Inserting digital images into documents – They have no experience with this skill, but they are developmentally ready.  Since the class is small, I will be able to provide personal assistance.

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Demonstrate your knowledge of appropriate research-based strategies and instructional methods for addressing the various technology knowledge and skill levels of students.

 

Research supports the idea that technology can address the different skill levels of  students.  When students use the computer to produce a paper, those who struggle with spelling and grammar can get immediate feedback from the spell-check function.  Those who struggle with the revision stage get some relief and encouragement from the ability to easily delete and easily move parts of the narrative.  In addition, many students can benefit from the repetition that a math or grammar program can provide.  Students who need to learn visually can benefit from Powerpoint presentations.  Students who are learning a second language can benefit from programs that allow them to practice their oral language skills by speaking into a microphone.

“Papert (1998) stresses that computers have an impact on children when the computer provides concrete experiences, children have free access and control the learning experience, children and teachers learn together, teachers encourage peer tutoring, and teachers use computers to teach powerful ideas. “

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