I will incorporate “the final word” protocol in my classroom. I feel like it is age appropriate for high students. Also, many times students do not complete the assigned reading at home. Therefore, giving students class time to read the material will be effective for classroom discussion. I also liked how the activity is scaffolded from individual reflection to small group reflection working up to a small presentation to the entire class. This method will allow students to build upon their ideas with one another on both small and large group scales.
Some of the main points I heard reiterated throughout the classroom discussion regarding the content from BH&H were transformation, inclusion, self reflection, and advocation. I think we all agree that multicultural education is paramount when working toward inclusion. In order to become fulling transformative, we must first reflect on our own biases and become aware of how we relate to others and vice versa. By doing so, we are beginning to break down barriers that divide us by becoming in touch with our likenesses instead of our differences, but also appreciating everyone’s differences and personal stories. Advocating for both our students as well as ourselves as educators working within the laws that govern education as a whole will continue our pursuits in transforming our society through effective multicultural education.
Laura-Beth, I agree with your opinion that today’s protocol would be good to use for high school students. This is a good way for students to go through the reading, work in groups, and listen to everybody’s point of view without interrupting.
I agree that the “final word” protocol was really effective, and I’m definitely going to use it. I know my group’s discussion covered a lot of ground, and we were able to raise some really interesting questions and then address them thoroughly. I often put students in small groups and have them discuss the text and answer questions before a class discussion, but for students who are inclined to goof off or digress, having this protocol in place would be really useful. And I’m sure it would raise participation levels by a lot. Knowing that they will have to talk, or else sit in silence for several minutes, gives students an incentive to prepare for the discussion, while the small-group format makes it easier for the shy ones to talk.
transformation, inclusion, self reflection, advocation..I think this would be a great mantra for the coming year. Heidi had a great idea to write statements that she wanted to remember as a student teacher on her hand as a reminder..I think these would be great reminders to carry, or write on my hand, this coming year
Tranformation and advocation are two things that are incredibly important. I also enjoyed how you discussed giving class time to read materials in class, I think you are right and it can make a world of difference in the end result of how much work students will be able to get done.