Chapter Two Reflection

1.    How do I plan to integrate lesson that will work with my students?

We as the teachers have to be aware of the abilities of our students and their attention spans (p. 29).  I am returning to college to become an elementary self-contained exceptional children’s teacher and throughout is chapter I realize my lessons will be modified compared to students in general education classroom.  For my students, they will have more guidance and direction.  The students I have worked with in the past would not be able to complete this style of lesson plan independently.  Many of the students I work with are not able to read on their own.  The students could have technology included in the lessons, but I do not felt that these students are not at to point understand the problem and find the answer.

2.    Why do I need objectives to help with my planning lesson development?

Objectives define what will be covered within the lesson plan.  Lesson plans without objectives do not have a defined focus for the lesson.  In addition, if the plan does not have objectives how do you know that the students understood and gained knowledge from the lesson.  Objectives help teachers to develop the steps for the lesson.

3.    How can I encourage my students to engage in the processing of information?

The chapter express a way to get the student involved in the processing the information is through the Think Sheets.  These Think Sheets provide the students with guidance on the things they should be thinking about find the answer.  The questions on the Think Sheet help them get an idea of what information they should be looking for and how the analysis it.  If I know what I should be doing and have sample of what my outcome will be, I have a better understanding how to look at the information.  Students will not become engaged it they are not sure what they doing,

4.    Do I have to use a different lesson plan when I want students to use the computer?

I do not think you need a completely new lesson plan.  You just have to be willing to take the time to rework the current lesson plan.  The NTeQ model is setup so that the teacher can make sure they have included all needed items into the lesson plan.  I think if you are using the computer to do research on a question within the lesson; it will result in having to do more reworking of the lesson plan.  If you are just using the computer, as review tool then I do not see a reason to change of alter the plan.

5.    What is the relationship between objectives and computer functions?

The relationship between objectives and computer functions involves matching a computer function that will meet the objective that you have set in your lesson plan.  The teacher finds the process the student needs to make the objective and then selects computer functions that could be used within the process.

6.    Can you use a computer for every objective or lesson?

It is not reasonable to think that you can reach every objective by using the computer (p. 29).  The model even includes a session called supporting activities.  These are activities have are not directly connected to the computer.  Supportive activities are linked to the objectives and can include research that does not involve the computer like books, surveys, and observations.  Student can use the time away from the computer to review information they have found, organize, and plan the next steps.