" ER NGISED SDAWKCAB"--Any quesses?
RE-DESIGN BACKWARDS. That's what I need to do with ALL my UNITS.
It seems overwhelming... but my plan is to sit down with the standards and write a list of the major units that I cover. Then try to come up with 1-3 enduring understandings for each of them. If I can't do that, then I shouldnt be teaching the unit... or the unit is not worth saving... or it should be combined with another.
When that is done I would like a list of AT LEAST 3 LABS or HANDS-ON activities that I use to teach the enduring understandings and if I cant do that... I need to spend time making it happen. Its one thing to teach but to teach science students have to do science, scientifically... meaning ask a question, do a test, come to a conclusion, plan what's next.
Am I really looking at two things on my TO DO list that are going to take up my whole summer?
Most likely.
I like your idea for planning your lessons. Seeing it in front of me gives me a few ideas for my units in Geography class. 7 continents/7 units. I like the idea of 3 enduring understandings, 3 labs, and 3 hands-on activities. I will do computer projects or GPS activities in place of the labs. Sounds like you have it figured out. Sounds easy right?
ReplyDeleteIt does seem overwhelming at times. I am also going to be looking at what I teach and why I teach it that way. It will take some time but the payoff will be worth it.
ReplyDeleteHilarious title! Good luck planning this summer, Jodi. I think I am going to try a Backwards Design in science....so I'm sure I'll be call you!
ReplyDeleteOverwhelming? Yes. Worth it? Yes. This is such a great idea!! I really like the plan of if you can't come up with 3 enduring understandings that you are going to either pitch it or combine it with another smaller unit. Like everyone said, I think this is something that i am going to have to try!
ReplyDeleteI agree with your thoughts on Backwards Design!! For my next Backwards design, I am doing our Geography unit in Social Studies. I am definitely keeping some of our lessons/activities for the unit, but am going to try some new ideas too that help the students better understand certain standards. I think it's WELL worth your time to look at all your units but just start with a couple?!! (think baby steps:))
ReplyDelete