Interrogating Text, EdPuzzle

Excellence in the Classroom: Interrogating the Text

Far too often when students are presented  with a textbook reading and are  assigned the questions at the end of the  section,  students will simply hen-and-peck to find the answer instead of actually reading the material.

  

I saw this technique used in an English class, but it could easily be used in any class.

• Students  were assigned a reading.
• Prior to reading the students were asked to formulate questions the text should be able to answer. In this case it was the next  section of a short story, but it works well for non-fiction too (students skim chapter, looking at graphs, headlines, prior knowledge, the key points and questions in the book, etc.)
• Then students were placed in pairs or triads where they shared their questions with each other.
• Students read the text individually (although you could easily adapt this to a paired reading activity) and jotted down answers.
• Finally, students discussed key points and their answers.

Why I loved this strategy:

1.  It taught students active reading skills, a skill that’s a must for college
2.  By actively involving the students it creates deeper learning and higher achievement
3.  Students formed their own meaning and came to understand it on their own
4. Students enjoyed the assignment
5. By walking around while students discussed, the teacher was provided with feedback and could provide feedback to the students
6.   It’s easy! It doesn’t require creating questions or “grading” student answer

Ideas for the Classroom: EdPuzzle

I learned about EdPuzzle from Stacey Roshan (@buddyxo) an expert on flipping class, but it also has many applications for traditional classes as well.

EdPuzzle allows you to add your voice and questions to educational videos (Khan Academy, YouTube, Learn  Zillion, TED, CrashCourse, etc.) Once you’ve found the video, EdPuzzle allows  you to insert your own voice comments and you can create a questions that the students answer (interactively at various points of the video) while the video plays.

EdPuzzle could easily be used for homework assignments, flipping your class, anytime you watch a video in class, when you’re going to be absent and want the students to watch a video, and for students creating their own EdPuzzles. By the way, you can search already created EdPuzzles too.

Here’s an example: https://edpuzzle.com/media/543a777d95c4cd1622d0fd61/edit

Here’s a quick demo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTQpvkQdQOw 

One problem you need a microphone on your computer to record audio.

Administrative Notes

Please remember that when posting materials throughout the building, please keep postings to the tack strips and appropriate bulletin boards (we’ve ordered more tack strips).

Whacky schedule for the last half of the week.

Positive Referral Link: http://goo.gl/s0KXRB

Work Order Request Form: http://goo.gl/H7hFwK

“Comment box”: http://goo.gl/forms/KAHNoGf5D2

I’m really excited about tonight’s #vachat. Wade Whitehead. Wade serves on the SOL Innovation Committee for the Department of Education. The committee is working to imagine the next generation of assessments and accountability. This is a great opportunity for you to have your voice heard. Join us at 8pm as we discuss improving standards, assessments and accountability.

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