Reflection - Chapter 9

Before starting a new project, teachers should assess their students’ prior knowledge. The best way to find out what they know is to ask them! I successful model for doing this is using a K-W-L. Ask the students to write anything they know about the topic and what they predict or expect to learn during the project. Anchors are great way for a teacher to measure learning in a frequent, timely manner. The anchor begins with the prior knowledge; from there you gain insight what direction to take.

Anchors are a great idea and if teachers use them properly, they can be great, alternative assessment tools. The information you obtain from the K-W-L can help you establish the anchor points for each individual student; possibly aiding in assigning collaborative, small groups. Also, knowing that each student learns and progresses at different rates, anchor points ensure that you are providing differentiated assessment based on each students learning journey. Alternative assessments that are effective and fun include self-reflection writings, peer feedback, project creation, portfolios; assessments that offer more than circling True or False on a quiz.

My students will journal daily on their own during the birding project, as well as team reflections on their blog. I really appreciate the ‘want to know’ part of a K-W-L and plan to use that information to help establish anchor points for each student. I believe that involving students in the planning of their learning journey of our project will help with the entire process.