Blog Post #6

Conversations With Anthony Capps

In Project Based Learning Part 1 and Part 2 with Anthony Capps and Dr. Strange, I learned what project-based learning is. Anthony Capps says, "When students are engaged, they are learning.". Project based learning is different than traditional learning, Anthony explains how he creates lessons for his 3rd-grade students meeting the standards of ALCOS. He list four things that his project based lesson must do:

1. It must have an authentic audience
2. It involves the students interests
3. It involves the community
4. Its content meets the required standards

Anthony gives an example of how he had his students research a topic using the computer and then write a letter to their congressman. The students used peer editing to choose the best letters to send. I think by engaging the students in these activities the children really had to think about what they were doing and learning. It is an excellent way to involve them in the learning process and get them excited to learn while still meeting the standards.

Anthony Capps also teaches us about icurio and Discovery Learning. Discovery Learning is a resource that teachers can use to supplement their lessons. I have used this program many times while subbing. If the students are learning about Pilgrims they would read it in their history book, do a worksheet and also watch a video on the Discovery Learning website. The icurio website is a safe search engine used by schools.  Everything has been placed there for the students. The students can then organize their research into folders on the website.

Anthony and Dr. Strange give us some additional advice in his interview The Anthony- Strange list of Tips for Teachers Part 1:

1. Be interested in learning yourself.
2. Teachers learn to teach in their free time.
3. Be flexible and creative!
4. Always reflect on your teaching.

Anthony explains that we should not teach technology in the video Don't Teach Tech - Use It. He explains that we should slowly introduce different tools in the classroom. The students will learn the tools and then add new tools slowly. He explains that it is a scaffolding technique.

In Additional Thought About Lessons Anthony list the 4 parts every lesson should contain:

1. How does it fit in with your standards?
2. How to unfold the unit using scaffolding properly.
3. How are you devising your lesson throughout the week Monday through Friday?
4. How will you deliver the message in a daily lesson?