What are key similarities or striking differences between the theories/models in a given unit? Do the theories/models in a unit share any common foundations or principles?
The four models in this unit, the STAR Legacy, Goal-Based Scenarios, Anchored Instruction, and MOST Environment share a lot of similarities. The models all relate to real-world situations and problems that the learners have to use prior knowledge and various methods of technology to research. Multimedia is utilized to present the learners findings and present solutions to the scenarios, goals, or missions. Anchored Instruction and GBS (Goal-Based Instruction) are similar in that these models are based on collaborative groups working together to solve problems using a specific skill. Reflections and feedback are also included with these methods. STAR Legacy, Anchored Instruction, and MOST Environment models are all context-centered projects that support self instruction. Overall, I feel that these models focus on trying to keep the content interesting and meaningful to the learner instead of the level of difficulty of the material. All students need to be challenged and depending on what motivates or interests each student plays a factor in how much they will learn and participate. These modules allow students to explore context on all levels and relate to them on a personal level to provide a meaningful solution.
What are your initial reactions to these learning theories/models? What are barriers to their use? What benefits might be expected for those who overcome the barriers?
My overall initial reaction to these modules are that they are a great use of differentiation and way to get students interested in literacy. Barriers that may occur when trying to use these modules in the classroom would be availability of multimedia to meet all students needs and time constraints due to teaching in blocks. At my school we do flex-grouping and team-teaching, which makes it difficult to find time to implement unit lessons including technology without spreading it over a very extended period of time. Also, my group of students need a lot of redirection and assistance that I can not provide by myself. However, a way to work around these barriers would be to have parent volunteers to assist me in the Flex Lab and assign roles with specific instructions to reduce behavior issues.
Would you attempt to use any of these theories/models with the students you are currently teaching or hope to teach in the future? Why or why not? Could elements of the theories/models be modified so that they would work with your current/future students?
I would use the STAR Legacy module with my 4th grade science lessons. After providing the essential questions for a unit this module would allow my students to organize and explore their findings through research and prior knowledge. Goal-Based Scenarios could be used with math for multi-step word-problems. This module would be a way for the students to think about possible ways to solve the problem and make it relate to a real-life situation. Anchored Instruction is a model that I already use in my classroom with my math lessons. It works great with meeting each students level of ability and the part of the module that has the student create their own problems to be solved based on the skill works great as an assessment tool. MOST Environments module is something I would utilize with my Social Studies units. The complex context and higher-level thinking questions that go along with these units usually cause my students to struggle with comprehension and they lack motivation with the topics. Especially my ESL learners and most young girls are not very interested in social studies. This module assists them with organizing the context and and motivate them through the use of multimedia.
What web-based tools or resources could be leveraged to carry out these learning theories/models online?
