Lesson Analysis and Summary
Prior to this session, facilitators review and select a model lesson for an
in-depth evaluation and discussion. The next section provides a short
description of each lesson. Please note that model "lessons" may actually
consist of several activities and teaching strategies around a single concept.
Participants should review the lesson in its entirety to have a more complete
view of the resource.
In this activity, participants work in small groups to examine one of the model
English language arts lessons. Before groups review the lessons, use the
following questions to frame the discussion:
- Are the essential components (e.g., key concepts and content, teaching
approaches, procedures, assessment) of the lesson well defined?
- How does the integration of technology differentiate this lesson from a more
traditional approach?
- Is the lesson content aligned to the academic content standards?
- Is the selected technology appropriate? How is this determined?
Explain to participants that they will use a rubric to evaluate the lesson.
Provide access to the technology-integrated Lesson Review Rubric by
distributing paper copies or linking participants to it online.
Technology
Integrated Lesson Review Rubric
Lesson Links
Revolutionary
Viewpoints
Historical documents are rich resources that enable us to look at the past
while learning about how we see ourselves and how we see others. April Morning
by Howard Fast is on many core-reading lists for eighth grade and addresses
several of the standards in Reading/Language Arts as well as Social Studies.
The focus of this lesson is on the critical analysis of literature in the
historical context of the American Revolution. The writing process is used as a
means to measure the understanding and knowledge gained by the student after
going through several exercises in document analysis. By using technology as a
catalyst or tool, this module will provide learning options that lead to
conceptual understanding.
Technology-Enhanced Writing with
Predictable Pattern Books
Predictable pattern books provide opportunities for students to engage in
creative responses to shared reading experiences. The book's pattern serves as
an effective way to present students with a scaffold for their own writing. The
integration of technology affords many advantages over a traditional
paper-and-pencil approach to pattern writing. Children's publishing and
productivity software provides a medium for beginning writers to create
professional looking pieces of writing that can incorporate text, graphics, and
sound. Opportunities for collaborating with peers are available as children
work in small groups to turn their text into slide shows or electronic books.
Following small group work, provide time to discuss the evaluation of the model
lesson. Use the rubric to guide this activity. Facilitators should refer to the
Lesson Review and Analysis, which provides a detailed analysis of each model
lesson.
Sample Lesson Review and Analysis