One author suggests that, "the main goal for teachers and students alike is often the completion of assignments rather than a solid understanding of the content." How does our work with purpose statement/establishing purpose and the reading relate to this statement?
Students and teachers like closure. Human beings like closure. Thus, completing something at the end of the class period makes the students feel better. I know I usually feel better on days I feel like I have accomplished tasks. Thus, having the statement posted lets students have a "to do" list and they accomplish it. If they don't feel like they accomplished the purpose this might be a great indication to ask the teacher for help. Thus, the purpose statement needs to be kid friendly, relate to the content standards, and be obtainable.
ReplyDeleteSarah, I liked this idea because it might make me more focused on writing an objective that can be completed in a day. Given the fact we use district assessments with big essential questions, my objectives may tend to be too broad. The idea of giving closure to each day might make my objectives more simple and kid friendly.
ReplyDeleteAs Rob commented, I tend to be a little broad in my purpose statements from time to time. I like the idea of closure too, and by observing those that aren't done at the end of class (or by the due date/ time), you can get a good sense of who is doing alright and who is struggling.
ReplyDeleteI like what you said Sarah. I to like to bring closure to my lessons on a daily basis. I think it helps the students breakdown the bigger picture into smaller frames. I believe this allows them to better understand the ultimate objective that I have for the unit as a whole.
ReplyDeleteI think when writing purpose statements it is essential to make it student friendly so the students are absolutely clear what they need to do that today, like Sarah said a "Check list". Also as a teacher if you have a majority of students who did not complete the check list for the day there needs to be some reteaching or more time spent on that skill or concept. Purpose statements need to be based off of district standards but simplified to help focus students and teacher on what needs to be done.
ReplyDeleteThe idea of "environment" in the classroom being welcoming also means we can be "safe". Student anxiety is way higher than we give credit so structure is always productive.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Bart...we have to do what we can to make students feel comfortable, which will lead to greater productivity and learning.
ReplyDeleteThis is a good angle on Smart Goals, which we should be using when writing curriculum, based on district, state, and national curriculum.
ReplyDeleteI happen to have had the privilege of observing Steve Mandelko's classes. He just naturally brings his classes to a close with little activities that emphasize what the purpose has been. I always leave his class knowing what we did in class and what the expectations were.
ReplyDeleteThe idea of having your objectives posted daily helps not only you but your students know what is going on. We have students coming and going for a number of events and meetings. They can come to class after one of those times read the board or where ever they are in your classroom and know at least a little about what is going on and where they are headed, before they say, What is going on? or I don't know what I am suppose to do.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Dawn in that having the purpose helps organize both the students' and my own thoughts about the lesson I'm presenting. Sometimes our brains want us to go in one direction when we actually need to go in another so posting the purpose can let everyone's brains keep on track.
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