Theories and Factors that Affect Student Learning
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Analyze the learner/s is a means to identify the learner characteristics that will likely impact the process and outcomes of the learning experience.
Factors
Description
Advantage or Constraint
Initial Ideas for Maximizing Positive Factors or Minimizing Negative Factors
Age/Academic Range 13-14 year olds, 8th grade level
+
X
 This age of students will be motivated by use of manipulatives and technology.
Sex Distribution 58% boys, 42% girls - 5 classes
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X
 Males and females alike will find this assignment of interest.
Racial, Ethnic Diversity 80% Caucasian 10% Hispanic 5% African American , 5% other
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Xx
 Studying genetics will help students understand their differences and how they came to be.
Educational Level Junior High School
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x
 This age level has lots of exposure to technology. Guided usage will provide structure for students to learn
Disability or Impairment Learning Disabled and Legally Blind
x
_
 Following IEPs and allowing for peer assistance will help these needy students.
Developmentally Appropriate Appropriate for age group
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x
 Drawing with Word will require monitoring by teacher
Prerequisite Knowledge Knowledge of Geneology
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x
 Prior knowledge of terminology, i.e. dominant, recessive, Genotype and Phenotype, and allele is required
Related Experience Students have studied Geneology in prior classes.
x
_
 Students are familiar with terminology used in this lesson
Perception of Role as Student Different than regular class work.
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x
 Students like drawing and like computers. Putting the two together totally involves the students.
Motivation for Learning For "Show and Tell" and for future coursework. Lesson applies to real life situations.
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x
 Students will learn how dominant and recessive genes work and the reasons why they have certain characateristics.
Attitude toward Subject Interested
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x
 Students are interested in information that pertains to them personally.
Competitiveness Designing a smiley face
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x
 Students will try and "outdraw" one another.
Expectations from Course Higher level thinking skills.
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x
 After this lesson students will have "hands on" experience towards genetics. This is a discovery lesson that will be remembered.

2. 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.

Design and Production Factors:
Budget Available
NA
 x x x
Materials Required Access to Computer Lab, two coins, teacher-designed rules, worksheet, makers, colored pencils, or crayons.
+
x
 Students will have lab time and class time to complete their project.
Production Equipment Available Printer
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x
 A printer is available for printing students’ projects
Time for Design and Production Two days
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x
 Students will use one class period to flip the coins
Second day students will design smiley face
Department Technology Requirements An AUP on file for every student
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x
 All AUPs have been turned in and teacher designed rules have been discussed in class prior to going to the computer lab

Implementation Factors:
Class Size 30+
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x
 Class size had no impact on this lesson
Class Period Length 50 Minutes
x
_
 The pace of the class is consistent with what the teacher had planned
Location Classroom, Library, computer lab
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x
 Pre-design of project in classroom; design in lab and library.
Seating Arrangement Students have assigned seating
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x
 Assigned seats help maintain order and organization
Lighting Fluorescent
x
_
 Provides adequate lighting for learning
Temperature Administratively remote controlled
x
_
 Room temperature varies, maintaining consistent air control level is important
Noise Noise in hall outside room kept to a minimum, and in room kept to a minimum.
x
_
 Keeping the door shut assures for a quiet atmosphere inside.
Equipment Computer lab, markers, printer, Library computers
x
_
 Computer lab has enough computers, if they are all working adequately
Technology Support Campus technologist available
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x
 Campus technologist’s office is next to computer lab for assistance with computer glitches.

Outcome Factors:
State Requirements 8th Grade Science TEKS 8.11C and 8th grade Technology TEKS 7(F)
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x
 Project addresses the TEKS for both curriculum areas.
Employer Needs Teacher will integrate technology into classroom activity.
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x
 The lesson was acquired from a website visited by the teacher and approved by her team mentor.
Co-Worker Needs Teacher is working with team mentor regarding meeting the Science TEKS
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x
 The teacher and Science team will benefit from working closely with her two mentors on this lesson.
Student Needs Student will learn about genetics and will demonstrate their understanding through designing a "Smiley Face."
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x
 Students will use this lesson as a discovery lesson. Step by step instructions are provided to students.

3. 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.
Main Topic
Sub-Topics (What is Involved in Learning Each Main Topic?)
Readiness to Learn (Developmentally ready)
Degree of Learning Difficulty (Real/Imagined)
Possible Instructional Strategies to Reduce or Manage Learning Difficulty
1. Make predictions about possible outcomes of various genetic combinations of inherited characteristics.
Understanding Dominant and Recessive Genes
Students have acquired knowledge concering the Geneology terminology and its meanings.
Real: Students will receive instructions on design of "Smiley face."

Imagined: The students completely understood and remember information from past lessons on Geneology.

 Teacher will give out a handout with directions and will go over those instructions with students prior to beginning the lesson.
2. 7(F) differentiate between and demonstrate the appropriate use of a variety of graphic tools found in draw and paint applications;
Learning how to use the "Draw" tools in Word
Students are familiar with basic use of computer and Microsoft Word
Real: Students are able to get onto Microsoft Word and find the "Draw" toolbar with no difficulty.

Imagined: Students also understand how to use Microsoft Word's "Draw" tools.

 Teacher will go over tools in "Draw" prior to student use.
3. Learner's Goals
Goals are specified by teacher prior to starting lesson.
Students should be ready for this hands-on experience from prior lesson in Geneology.
Students should be clear in this area.
 Teacher will facilitate student learning by monitoring students and by answering questions. The final product will clearly show the result of the students' discoveries.
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