10-Rep Learning ~ Teague's Tech Treks

Learning Technology & Tech Observations by Dr. Helen Teague

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Episodic and Transitory Learning Challenges in STEAM and STEM Instruction

STEAM and STEM instruction benefits from Differentiation interventions just as are applied in core curriculum subjects. During their instructional practice, teachers may observe learning challenges with their students that do not seem to align with narrow, traditional definitions of special needs. Students’ learning challenges may be formally identified and diagnosed. Increasingly, however, learning challenges may also be observed as episodic and transitory. Transitory learning challenges are often observed by professional educators, instructional coaches, instructional aides, and  parents.

These learning challenges benefit from just-in-time differentiation and tiered activities. Educators should visit with the students, discuss supports with the student. It is necessary that when planning for differentiated instruction that educators take into account students readiness, interests and learning profile (TEDx Talks, 2013; Tobin & Tippett, 2013), and apply targeted, tiered curriculum supports for learning at the point of instruction. 

One process for implementing targeted learning supports for diagnosed and transitory learning challenges is through Tiered Activities.

Planning A Tiered Activity

What are some transitory learning challenges that you have informally observed among your previous or current students?

                                                                  References

TEDx Talks (2013). Reimagining Learning: Richard Culatta at TEDxBeaconStreet. [Video File.]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0uAuonMXrg&ab_channel=TEDxTalks

Tobin, R., & Tippett, C. D. (2014). Possibilities and potential barriers: Learning to plan for differentiated instruction in elementary science. International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, 12, 423-443.
https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10763-013-9414-z.pdf 

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Weekend Ed. Quote ~ August 25

“The path to differentiation begins with intensely understanding your target audience.” ~Saythi V., as seen on LinkedIn

 

Differentiation 4 Components

Differentiation strategies have a positive effect when frequently used and combined with teacher structure and students’ motivation (Guay, et al., 2017).

 

                                                                               References

Guay, F., Roy, A., & Valois, P. (2017). Teacher structure as a predictor of students’ perceived competence and autonomous motivation: The moderating role of differentiated instruction. British Journal of Educational Psychology, 87(2), 224–240. https://doi-org.vproxy.cune.edu/10.1111/bjep.12146

 


More Weekend Ed. Quotes

#GCUTEC544 #GCUTEC595 #GCUTEC516 #GCUTEC521
#CUNE607 #CUNE604, #CUNE605
#PBSReaders4Life

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Weekend Ed. Quote ~ July 21

Girl By Tree“Productive struggle is what I call the “sweet spot” in between scaffolding and support. Rather than immediately helping students at the first sign of trouble, we should allow them to work through struggles independently before we offer assistance. That may sound counterintuitive, since many of us assume that helping students learn means protecting them from negative feelings of frustration. But for students to become independent learners, they must learn to persist in the face of challenge.” ~Barbara Blackburn

 

Wondering… Considering the variety of options for differentiation…Is productive struggle a type of differentiation? 

 

 

                                                              References

Blackburn, B. R. (2018). Productive struggle is a learner’s sweet spot. ASCD Express, 14(11).

 

 


More Weekend Ed. Quotes

#GCUTEC544 #GCUTEC595 #GCUTEC516 #GCUTEC521
#CUNE607 #CUNE604, #CUNE605
#PBSReaders4Life

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STEAM Differentiation Jeopardy Week 4

STEAM Differentiation STEAM Challenge Question (Week 4)

 

 

 

#STEAM  #CUNE606

Click here to see all STEAM Differentiation questions


References:

Basham, J. D., & Marino, M. D. (2013, March). (PDF) Understanding STEM Education and Supporting Students … Retrieved January 8, 2020, from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/275353986_Understanding_STEM_Education_and_Supporting_Students_through_Universal_Design_for_Learning.

 

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Differentiation:  Are you a Crab or a Mola Mola?

Differentiation:  Are you a Crab or a Mola Mola?


Differentiating curriculum means using different methods so that students can acquire, apply, analyze, and synthesize new content, ideas, approaches, and solutions.

How can we respond to the challenge of differentiating curriculum for all learners?

Perhaps a recent tour of the Monterey Bay offers insights into professional practice preferences and the efficacy of each.

The Monterrey Bay includes 34 species of marine mammals, more than 180 species of seabirds and shorebirds, at least 525 species of fishes, and an abundance of seaweeds (Link).

Two of these species are the Decorator crab and the Mola Mola fish.

Decorator crabs that inhabit the kelp beds of the Monterey Bay hid their spindly appendages by attaching bits of kelp and other sea materials to their bodies. Decorator Crabs do that so that they can camouflage and blend in to their surroundings. They work with almost “most human and purposeful process” (Bateson, 1889).  The Decorator Crabs of the Monterey Bay rarely leave their warm, coastal environment. Rarely will you find a Catch of the Day special of Decorator Crab on the menu. 

The Monterey Bar sometimes is the weekend getaway destination of the Mola Mola. Mola Molas are strange fish who live in the dark, open, deep waters of the ocean. They can grow from baby birth weight of a few ounces to the size of a Mini Cooper (2200 pounds)! Their flat, buffet-table-sized torso attracts all types of parasites. When Mola Molas are invaded by too many parasites, they float higher and toward the Monterey Bay so that other shallow water fish such as the half-moon fish can pinch and dislodge the pa

If this modification strategy is not completely successful, then the Mola Mola rises even closer to the surface of the Monterey Bay and tilts on its side. This seafood platter position attracts a seagull who happily pecks the parasites in exchange for a lunch fast-food lunch.

The Mola Mola has learned different strategies to reach its goal of harmony. 

Does the problem-solving approach of the Decorator Crab or the Mola Mola appeal to you? 

In meeting the needs of all learners, are you more likely to blend-in to your school environment and cover yourself with excuses, packed schedules, and one size fits all teaching practices in order to avoid learning and implementing new instructional methods for differentiation? 

Or does the variety of problem-solving approaches of the Mola Mola fit your approach to differentiation?

Baby Beluga! That’s a whale of a metaphor to consider!

 

Reference
Bateson, William (1889). “Notes on the Senses and Habits of some Crustacea”. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom. new series. 1: 211–214. doi:10.1017/S0025315400058045.

Monterey Bay Aquarium https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/visit/monterey-area/monterey-bay-national-marine-sanctuary

Photos of Decorator Crab and Mola Mola Fish are from Wikipedia

 

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Weekend Ed. Quote ~ April 12

“When we intentionally respond to the diverse needs of our students, we are differentiating the product, process or content of learning according to the learning style, interest or readiness of our students. A wealth of research suggests that by framing learning with student interests in mind, teachers can increase student motivation and learning” (National Council of Teachers for English, 2015)

 

 

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Weekend Ed. Quote ~ August 19

Differentiation Quote

 

Differentiation Pinterest Board: https://www.pinterest.com/physxclassroom/differentiated-instruction/

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Quote created by Teague using ReciteThis. Permalink: http://piccsy.com/post/view/6955058

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Thank you to Santa Fe Public Schools

Special thanks to the dedicated and talented teachers at the Santa Fe Public Schools! Thank you for a warm welcome and great participation during my professional staff development session, “Differentiation Instruction with Technology

Have a great and productive fall semester!

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