So Monday was my first day teaching inquiry, or at least I
thought I was teaching inquiry. I was
really proud of myself – I did my best to try to simulate what Mr. Clark did as
an example in class last Friday but to give it my own sort of twist! The class I was teaching was a Veterinary
Science class and my lesson was geared towards the concept of reading
labels.
To begin students had to make Irish Potatoes (a Philadelphia
sweet). Students were responsible to use
measuring cups and any ingredient combination that they wanted – the only
direction they had was that they were merely named “Irish Potatoes.” After a few minutes of students gathering
things like the assumed necessary potato
I asked students to return to their seats and write down something they were
certain about and then a question that they had. Almost every student said that they were certain
that potatoes were an essential ingredient and almost every student said they
wanted more direction such as a recipe.
Next students read and took notes in an article that provided more
direction and then after discussion they were given a recipe. This time students were able to use the
recipe to make the correct mixture of sugar, cream, coconut, and cinnamon. Students were able to learn that sometimes labels
and titles are misleading. They
connected this to the vet science class in relation to measuring the proper
dosage of a vaccine or determining a correct feed ration.
This was certainly a fun and engaging activity and the
message stuck with students. Some of my
feedback said that it was inquiry whereas others said they did not know what
part of my lesson was inquiry.
Regardless this is certainly a teaching technique that I would like to
work on and continue to develop. I think
it is an important and effective skill to use as an educator. Additionally I could tell that I felt more
comfortable with teaching in lab than I have all semester – so I am improving
(slowly but surely)!
In closing, I would like to quote one of my peer’s comments “I
think you did a great job! I first thought
how is this inquiry? But then I was like
Woop! There it is! I think you did a
great job keeping everyone engaged!”
You teaching presence was great!
ReplyDeleteKeep in mind the five elements of inquiry from the rubric and ask yourself how you are moving instruction across the continuum.
Jenna,
ReplyDeleteGreat reflection. I especially like the peer's quote at the end :) I am glad to hear that you feel you are improving after each lab! I think this is key to keep in mind and the main goal of lab even if your lab doesn't always go as planned! I agree that this is one technique that I would like to keep working on and also use during student teaching. I think its a great strategy for students, but as a educator it can be a little scary to implement; however, very effective! Keep up the great work Jenna! I think you are doing great!
Jenna, I really enjoyed your lesson and I could see the connection between the activity and vet science! I think that you will see improvements in the amount of inquiry in your lesson, if you utilize the IBI chart that we were evaluated on. I have also noticed the improvements that you have been making in your teaching! Keep up the great work :)
ReplyDeleteJenna, Your Irish potatoes lesson seems like it would be really cool. I definitely would not have thought about making something like Irish potatoes and connecting it to Vet Science. But that could be so useful!! You know what is encouraging, that you'll have all of spring semester to practice lots of Inquiry. I know that you'll get better! Keep up the great work!
ReplyDelete