Task 3 -1 Critiquing & Developing Effective Lesson Plans

Common Features

Both series of lessons build on the knowledge gained in the preceding lesson
to continue to enhance the learning
Both use visual aids to assist with the learning (Number lines/Uniblocks and
flash cards)
Defined achievement standards allow for little confusion when it comes to the
intent of the lesson
Both lessons make good use of external resources (Bitbata Bird and African
Safari) to bring a real world methodology into the lesson
The assessment are designed to ensure that the achievement standards are
met

Differences

The numeracy lessons seem to have a teacher led approach whilst the
literacy looks at small group learning including peer assessment.
The numeracy lesson focuses on a single curriculum standard while the
literacy lessons cover 5
The numeracy lesson has a revision of past learning does this allow the
teacher to ensure students have met the prior knowledge criteria?
The literacy lessons identify multiple modes of assessments.
Literacy activity sees multiple transition from whole of class to small group
learning

Numeracy Lesson:

What was the student learning?

Broadly the student was learning the connection between addition and
subtraction. The focus in this lesson was the connection of number sequences to
identify patterns to assist in the use of addition and subtraction.

How was it taught?

Using a series of progressively more complex activities to teach then reinforce

the learning. Starting with revision identifies and refreshes the prior learnt
activity. Using aids such as the number line to visually represent the actions
assists the visual learner and underpins the explanations. By moving from this to
identifying with real world examples (seven lollies plus.) allows the student to
associate with the learning.

Ways we know the student has learned?

The use of an individual worksheet which covers the spectrum of the lesson
allows the teacher to see where there has been success and identify any
shortfall. Throughout the lesson the use of discussion and question and answer
also allows for adjustment to the lesson plan if shortfalls are identified.
Continuous checking that students are conducting the tasks/activities as the
lesson progresses also ensures that individuals are not falling behind which also
reduces the chances of failing in front of the group.

Literacy Lesson:

What was the student learning?

Broadly the lesson looks at the understanding of compound sentences. This is

targeted to ensure the students can focus their ideas and transfer this into their
everyday writing. They are learning the difference between a simple and
complex sentence and how to use these sentences to express their thoughts
more effectively.

How was it taught?

Students start with the tasks of basic identification of simple and compound
sentence structures. As the lesson progress the students build on this concept by
changing sentences form one form to the other and discussing the parts of each
sentence that cause the differentiation. Interestingly the class is constantly
moving from small group work to whole of class discussion

Ways we know the student has learned?

Simple to follow assessment sheets allow both self and peer evaluation. Multiple
whole of class discussion allows the teacher to point out key points as the lesson
progresses and assist where there may be some confusion. By splitting into small
groups at each stage of the progression the teacher can spend time with each
group ensuring they meet the required standard before moving to the next
activity stage.

Reflection

Having read through both lesson plans and looking at the way they are
structured my most obvious take away is the use of multiple different resources
to enhance the learning experience. The use of physical tools to help transfer the
knowledge from a purely theoretical basis to something that you can hold in your
hand would greatly assist with the learning process. To then build on this with
real world examples and discussion offers another facet to the learning all of
which I think combines to help reinforce the desired learning outcomes and help
with knowledge retention.

Howe could I make this lesson more connected to the students real world? -
Numeracy

Having the children interact with each other to represent the addition and
subtraction from items in a group. You could split the room into areas
representing each number and have the children move from space to space to
represent addition and subtraction.
Knowledge of the students likes and interests could play a big part in the
teaching of the numeracy lessons. You could individualise (to a degree) the
number lines using cars, superheros, footballs or animals (as some examples) to
try to appeal to the individual students in the class. Looking at concepts where
they can relate. Use a favourite band If Justin Beiber plays 25 concerts in
Australia and 40 in the USA how many concerts does he play? to encourage
interaction.

While I like the idea of the African safari, you could amend this to a story about
the children in the class doing things that they do. Sally and Katie went to the
gym and John, Mike and Freddie were already there. They had 20 basketballs.
etc. Having the kids doing something in the story that they enjoy or can
identify with doing could help to cement the concept when it comes to the
learning.