[Channel-talkchemistry] Reactions in chemistry workshop #6

After reading "Effective Classroom Strategies" I started giving my students more "thinking time" after asking a question and calling on a student for a response. This has help when I was asking higher level type of questions. I also let other students help and I continue to ask probing questions to direct the discussion. Asking higher level questions help develop those critical thinking skills I hope my students leave my class with but without additional thinking time those questions usually go unanswered. An effective tool to improve student response and understanding is collaborative learning. I encourage students to study together outside of class, I also put them into group in labs, discussion and study groups. Students teaching students is a very effective way to develop a more complete concept understanding. They come up with analogies that work for them. It is important to move from group to group to correct any misuse or incorrect analogies. Also to discuss the limitations or the over simplification of those analogies or models. The idea to teach for 12 minutes then let the students discuss the concept is a good idea. It is important to keep them on task. I think one way to help that is to try a do a demonstration to reinforce a concept several times during a class period ( class period is 88 minutes for us) These demonstrations can generate a lot of higher level questions and discussion.

One demonstration I use is the same one Dr. Pierce used to discuss iron in Total cereal. I use this early in the year when we are talking about mixtures and matter. Students are surprised when I pull the magnet out of the cereal slurry and there is elemental iron is attached. It leads to a good discussion about the use of iron in our body. The difference between elemental iron and the ion form. Also a discussion of the way Total markets the amount of iron in their cereal and is that iron in a useful form?

_______________________________________________
Channel-talkchemistry mailing list
Channel-talkchemistry@learner.org
http://www.learner.org/mailman/listinfo/channel-talkchemistry

You may un-subscribe from this email list at any time by using the online form at the above URL. If you have difficulty using this form, please send email to Channel-talkchemistry-admin@learner.org and our mailing list administrator will assist you. Our privacy policy is posted online at: http://www.learner.org/about/privacy_policy.html
Received on Tue Nov 9 10:50:26 2004