In this case it looks at how the student teacher reacted when the classroom starts to descend into chaos. When disorder settles in, what do you do? In this case study the host teacher swoops in to save the, but there won't always be someone help to help when things start to get out of hand.
This is what I think of when I think of this case study. Of course the disorder does not reach this magnitude, but it could happen at any moment.
Surfing into a Science Research Quandry:
Not as much a case study, but more of a look into how studying science teaching is beneficial. Reflecting on experiences to learn more than what the theories talk about. Real life application is the name of this game.
Imagine watching a recording of yourself doing a lesson and seeing how many mistakes you make during the recording. Things that you know you should have done differently and how you can now noticed different things happening during the lesson to improve.
Help! How can I teach without supplies:
This case looks at a science lab in a small town that has trouble getting enough supplies for the students to do labs. The science lab teachers decides to turn to grant writing and fund raising to get money for supplies and it pays off. Another problem arises thought when other teachers want to use their supplies. This caused problems because they were not coming back in the same condition they were originally. To let them borrow or not? She worked hard to get the materials so why should she share if they tear up her hard earned materials.
This is a picture from the movie The Borrowers and I could definitely seeing the other teachers being the borrowers.
Spider! Creating an Interdisciplinary Web Support Science Inquiry :
Weaving multiple disciples into one lesson can be a challenging task, but it is much more rewarding for the students. In this case study the teacher combines multiple disciplines by using different centers that are all on the same theme of spiders. She runs into the problem of taking more time to cover material, but for the students it is much more meaningful.
I think what I like the most in reading your posting is the images you chose! The summaries you gave for the cases were all about the same as what I got out of them, but the extension of ideas through your images was pretty thought provoking. The first image I looked for after reading Kaboom, Kaput was also one of chaos in the classroom. We all know what that feels like, don't we? I've never seen The Borrowers, but that was a case study that made me angry. I hate seeing teachers take advantage of their peers, and often not think twice about it. And, I love your idea of the cat collage, because I agree, all subject obviously cross paths and can tie into each other at certain points. It would be great to be able to take advantage of that. Of course, as a secondary teacher, it becomes a lot more difficult because of having to teach only one or two subject areas all day. Finding time to plan and collaborate with other subject area teachers is challenging, to say the least!
ReplyDeleteI like how you focused on the centers used by the teacher in the last case. It differed from my interpretation, as I primarily felt the tension she was under from her team to get back on track content-wise. I've been in her shoes, so I could relate. It's difficult to find the balancing point, and you want to do what's best for the students while still maintaining peace and cooperation with your peers.
ReplyDeleteSean, What a varied set of pictures... and after reading the post... well chosen! The Borrowers... quite a dilemma when supplies are scarce... how you develop collaboration with your colleagues is as important as the relationships you develop with your students. Trust and mutual respect are key in both cases. The chaos picture or the "what to do?????" I need help... regaining control picture reminded me of a class I had as long term sub... that class was unbelievably difficult to keep engaged and somewhat under control... I understood the problems, but had few resources / support to deal with those problems in what I thought was the best way. Collaborating with others and tossing the pre-planned lesson book out proved to be a better way forward... for me and the students. Your last picture is a great way to demonstrate how things that seem to be different when viewed all together are very recognizable... thanks for sharing your view!
ReplyDeleteI also said that the teacher in the third scenario went with a more meaningful lesson, rather than following a planned lesson. I think a lot of times, teachers could do this, go off of something that was said or happened in class and turn it into a lesson, but I think they are too afraid. Whether they are afraid to deviate from a desired plan, or afraid to get behind in their plans, I am not sure, but I think a lot of meaningful learning opportunities are missed.
ReplyDeleteI really like your first image- funny! And I have also seen myself on video making mistakes. I try to video my students giving presentations as often as possible for their own benefit. I figure it is better they see their little quirks now and work on them before going on to college/work.
ReplyDeleteI had pretty much the same reactions as you to the cases. I believe the teacher going off track did make her lesson more meaningful.