In
this post I am going to turn another flat activity into a super learning mission. On this occasion, the activity chosen to be turned into a super learning mission is the following: "After teacher's explanation, write a summary that explains the story behind the creation of the equestrian statue". It is clear that this activity is not meaningful or active. Furthermore, the activity is not interesting, enjoyable or motivating. In addition, the focus is not the student, it is the teacher who is talking all the time, consequently, communication does not take place. For all these reasons, it is necessary to modify the activity.
Firstly, I have thought carefully how to transform it into a learning mission. Super learning missions are learner-centred. The teacher must act as a facilitator while the learners are occupied in meaningful tasks. Besides, I need to create opportunities for meaningful learning. So, the idea that comes to my mind is that the students will be historical researchers who are in charge of the creation of a comic book. They will have to research on the Internet about one equestrian statue in pairs. After, the investigation they will create a comic strip which illustrates the story behind the creation of the equestrian statue. Putting together all the comic strips the students will make a comic book. In this super learning mission the students will use the following tools: Google Goggles, Google Documents, Comic Strip It! and Emaze.
Now, I am going to explain, step by step, the instructions that the students have to follow to complete the super learning mission:
Historical Researchers de Elena Bermúdez
Then, the objectives that the students will achieve with this learning mission are:
- To understand the complex process behind the creation of an equestrian statue.
- To create a comic strip.
- To produce quality output in both language and content, as a result of an active and cooperative learning process.
- To increase their proficiency in the use of some applications and tools.
Here, you can also read the competences that will work:
- Digital Skills
- Learning to learn
- Communication Skills
- Sense of initiative and entrepreneurship.
- Cultural awareness and expression.
Now, let me show you the example for my students:
Author's own
On this occasion I have decided to collaborate with The ESL Times because like them we share the same goals as promoting collaborative work, team work and autonomous work, using ICT in the teaching-learning process, working language skills such as reading, speaking and writing. Besides, we want to encourage reading in English. In this case with the creation of a comic book children are going to read in English at the same time that they learn about History and Art.
Let me finish my post by reflecting on the knowledge and the experience that I have acquired as well as the process of learning.
I must say that I am really satisfied with the final result of this learning mission. It took me a lot of time to think how to turn the simple and dull activity into a motivating and meaningful learning experience which encourages learner autonomy. But, the effort is worthwhile.
Regarding to the use of digital tools, it was necessary to find the most appropriate tool for each part of the mission because I want to use free applications that were compliant with Android. During my internship periods in different schools, I noticed that schools have some tablets. They explained to me that it is cheaper than buying new computers. We need to be practical and realistic when we create learning missions because we need to have the necessary devices.
Finally, let me say that the benefits of collaborating with other teachers or collaborative movements are clear. We can take advantage of the possibilities that new technologies offer us and ,in this way, learn from others' work. Sharing your work online is a big step to improve education. We can create a bank of resources together. I totally recommend you to join to any collaborative movement.
No comments:
Post a Comment