STAR Legacy Module

I liked this module because it actually models how I teach on a daily basis. I tend to ask alot of questions of my students to generate ideas about how the new information can be useful to them now and in the future. I look at different aspects of how the material relates to different environments. The students are then given assignments to practice the material and ultimately there is an assessment. Before we move on to a new concept we reflect on what was learned and how it relates to their current knowledge. I have never used this in a web-based format so this will be an interesting spin on a tried and true strategy.

Anchored Instruction

This is very similar to GBS but students work in groups and are problem solving toward a specified solution. The scenario is presented and students use the facts in the story to extract key ideas in an effort to come to a rational solutions. It makes you think of a good mystery where you have to go back and examine clues and what if's in order to solve the mystery. I also like the fact that students are encouraged to be independent thinkers and if they hit a snag along the way, they can re-examine the story to brainstorm their own dilemma to find an answer.

Goal Based Scenarios

I think Roger Schank rally hit a good point that young children learn because they are motivated to do so and that older students learn for extrinsic rewards. I have seen children that excel in classes in which they have a good rapport with the teacher and in other classes, they have behavior problems and poor grades. Students typically retain material when it is presented in a manner that is fun and relevant to their interests. They can be "tricked" into learning. The answer to the age old question" why do we have to do this" is one that students always ponder. Once the lesson is presented in a useful and interesting format, the answer is obvious to the studnet and they actually will embrace the knowledge and use it consistently.