Backwards Design
Thinking back to my elementary school days, I don't remember spending much time doing hands-on activities and experiments. I remember reading aloud from the textbook, completing the review questions at the end of each section, and then taking the test on Friday. Other than the optional bonus science project (which was to be completed at home) I don't remember ever doing any science experiments. It was primarily textbooks and worksheets and traditional teaching methods, nothing about it sparked my interest.
In high school I remember my chemistry teacher constantly doing science experiments with our class in the lab, but I never understood why I was doing them other than to complete the lab requirement in the class. None of my teachers throughout my K-12 experience posted essential questions, objectives, or gave a reason of why we were doing certain things other than, it will be on the test. I remember my primary goal, largely thanks to my teachers, was to pass the high school graduation test and get an A in the class.
I don't believe any of my teachers ever used backwards designed largely because we would participate in review sessions and would ask, do we need to know this for the test, and would receive the response, "I don't know. I haven't made the test yet." It was frustrating because I knew I was just memorizing the material to get an A, not actually learning and comprehending what was being presented. That's not how I want my students to remember my class.
When reading your comments about your experiences at school, I thought of just how much teaching has changed in a relatively short time. Most teachers at my school do a better job of engaging children than what you describe, even those who are firmly rooted in the tradional approach. It's good for us to reflect like this, as it helps to make us better teachers.
ReplyDeleteMy science experiments were very similar to yours! I don't remember doing experiments in class, except in high school. Even then, I just did what was asked but never really understand what I was doing or why. The teachers would make the tests or quizzes based on what we talked about, and were not made ahead of time. If we taught now how we were taught, parents and principals would have a fit! I agree with Sally, teaching has come a long way, but there is still more that can be done.
ReplyDelete