Monday, July 23, 2012

#ModChem Day 9: Part 1 - Whiteboarding and Discourse

Modeler's Log, Day 9--

We got right to work today finishing our first participant-led questioning session with whiteboard presentations of review problems in unit 5. Everyone was given as much time as they needed to work on questioning with their "students," but it did go more quickly by the end than it started. Embedding plausible student mistakes can be difficult for teachers to really simulate students' incorrect lines of thinking; and, as a result of our natural tendency to forget what it was like to not have a solid understanding of the content, this challenge extends into trying to understand, diagnose, and remediate students' misunderstandings. At the end, we all debriefed the whiteboarding session and our questioning attempts--we determined that we all need more practice. A hard lesson learned was the difference between closed and open questions in this session; that is, questions that will only elicit one response (e.g., yes/no) rather than questions that can have a variety of responses communicated in a variety of ways.

Immediately following the whiteboarding session, we discussed two articles on whiteboarding as a learning process and Socratic dialogue in teaching. The article review coupled with our own experience as "students" in the workshop led us to many great points and even more great questions. Whiteboarding truly is an essential component of modeling instruction, and it is a learning process.
It is not just an activity or another way to go over homework; rather, it is a way to make thinking visible, help students become more metacognitive and to reflect more on their own understanding. Of course, you don't have to use modeling instruction to do whiteboarding, but you do have to use whiteboarding if you do modeling instruction...regardless, you can employ strategies that make thinking visible, such as those given by Harvard's program on the strategy.

This discussion included ways to hold students accountable for their work; e.g., students who construct the whiteboard cannot present, or everyone must speak during the presentation. This helps to get everyone an equal chance to be involved in the process, rather than leaving up to be dominated by certain individuals who may be more "in the know" than others. A great idea that came up was to empower students to ask the teacher-style questions of each other, and not just during whiteboard presentations but in all aspects of the class. Having them emulate the teacher questioning will prevent them from being mere "tellers" when helping others or working with each other. Also, we know that to fully understand something would entail that one comprehends the connections between aspects of a concept and has an ability to navigate through multiple representations of the concept or anticipate pathways that can lead to understanding of the concept. After all, if someone can teach someone else something, without merely "explaining" it to (telling) them, then mustn't they have a strong understanding in the first place?

Finally, with regard to the topic of whiteboarding and Socratic discourse, we talked about having Norms for whiteboards, both in their creation and in the presentation of them during class discussions:
  • One person talking at a time; not everyone talking over each other
  • Nobody likes a know-it-all; telling isn't teaching--ask questions instead of just telling someone
  • Talk loudly enough to be heard by everyone else
  • Talk to the entire group, not just the teacher
  • Everyone claps after each board, and it's a golf clap (via #TeamPhysics)
  • Write legibly, with a darker color, and large enough to see across the room
Asking good questions is different than telling in an interrogative way. Don't just end your questions with "...right?" or "...yes?" because it encourages an affirmative answer so that the student appears 'in agreement' with the teacher, since the teacher is viewed as the expert...right?

Whiteboarding sessions should be used as an opportunity for students to learn from mistakes and not merely just arrive at an answer. All too often, it is just about the right answer in school, and when students come to expect that, they can lose sight on the learning process and the underlying comprehension that underpins the right answer. This can be significantly helped if the teacher resists the urge to correct mistakes that students make on their whiteboards before presenting them when they are constructing their board; instead, let the mistake get presented and then fix it as a class through discourse. Never let a mistake proceed uncorrected during a whiteboarding session.

Coupled in with our discussion of whiteboarding and Socratic discourse, stemmed from our practice at questioning students during our simulated whiteboarding session, was a discussion of the student errors we saw in the session. Issues with dimensional analysis, especially multiple steps, and misuse of the relationships between quantities, were our main areas of focus. We agreed that, because students sometimes just focus on just matching units up in an algorithmic fashion under the factor-label method, stoichiometry becomes a separated based on mathematical ability and cognitive development to formal operational thinking. Students seem to have a struggle with stoichiometry and dimensional anlysis or are quite facile with it. The challenge, however, lies in the approach to teaching these topics. If dimensional analysis is reduced to a factor-label chart with the answer as the main focus, then students will lose sight of the physical relationships between quantities and not necessarily know what it is that their answer means, let alone how they arrived at it.

Using single step proportions (or even the cross-multiply setup that students learn in math) can allow students to keep the physical context at the focus of their problem-solving and attend to the physical relationships between quantities to help them reason their way or think their way to a solution rather than perform a mere algorithm. This can be accomplished using "for every" speak, which is a linguistic representation of the physical relationships between the quantities. Using "for every" statements in your teaching of dimensional analysis or stoichiometry is discussed in more detail here from a presentation given at ChemEd 2011. This is not to say that the factor-label method cannot ever be used, rather it is expedient and a helpful way to solve the problems, but it is not intuitive nor a form of reasoning; it is an algorithm that can be applied without an understanding of what it means. Since we want students to be critical thinkers and to be able to reason their way through a problem solution, starting out with an algorithm (shortcut) will mean nothing without a full development of the concept behind it. The "for every" statements can eventually lead students to arrive at the factor-label algorithm on their own, or at least to apprehend it more easily when it is taught.

Ultimately, we want our students to be empowered and to feel success with their chemistry, but this cannot be accomplished if we teach only in a way that makes sense to someone who has a higher-level understanding of chemistry to begin with; keep in mind that many of our students are still concrete thinkers and will not develop further just by being forced to think in a formal operational way; instead, we need to scaffold them with intuitive approaches that will transfer to reliable problem-solving strategies later. This is done with the way we teach, how we make thinking visible, and how we engage students with us and each other in Socratic discourse of a nature that is critical to the content we are trying to teach & learn.


52 comments:

  1. Excellent task! What an astonishing web journal for the property merchant. This is something to be thankful for and I was taking a gander at these kind of article where we give all the detail for the records and check out speedypaper.com reviews for well task. This is an extraordinary thing and I trust everybody individual this standard and gather the detail and fill this frame. My everything all the best are with you!

    ReplyDelete
  2. That is the outstanding mindset, however is just not help to make every since whatsoever preaching about that matter. Almost any technique many thanks in addition to I had try to promote your own article in to delicious nevertheless it is it seems that a dilemma using your in order sites can you please recheck the idea. When you want to buy online essay online, the main thing that you need to do is just interact with writers at that
    best essay writing service . We have attempted to consider every conceivable choice and to answer the inquiries that you may have in finishing the structures. We urge you to be watchful and keep the full data about the future work.

    ReplyDelete
  3. As adjectives, the difference between constructive and productive is constructive, while productive is able to produce anything, particularly in abundantly fertile construction. Cheap Essay Writing

    ReplyDelete
  4. Are you having an need for certified reliable essay writers help in writing your essay? Take a moment and explore the option of 6 Dollar Essay help.

    ReplyDelete
  5. The trainer's position in whiteboarding is to facilitate student discourse via Socratic dialogue. The instructor is Shared Office Space Dubai prepared with a definite agenda for student progress and publications student inquiry and discussion in that course with “Socratic” wondering and remarks.

    ReplyDelete
  6. As adjectives, the distinction between positive and productive is positive, while production is capable of Dissertation Writing Services Uk produce whatever, mainly in abundantly fertile construction. I had tried to sell your own article in to delicious although it's far it appears that evidently a quandary using your in order sites can you please recheck the concept.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Students appear to have a warfare with stoichiometry and dimensional analysis or are pretty facile with it. The mission, however, lies inside the Write My Essay For Me Cheap technique to teaching those subjects. The physical relationships among portions to help them purpose their way or assume their manner to an answer in preference to carry out an insignificant set of rules.

    ReplyDelete
  8. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  9. what an astounding internet magazine for the assets merchant. this is some thing to be thankful for and I was taking a gander at this form of article wherein we provide all of the detail for the information. our College Assignment Help college students are nevertheless concrete thinkers and will no longer increase similarly just via being compelled to suppose in a proper operational manner.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Incredible errand! What a bewildering web diary for the property shipper. This is something to be appreciative for and I was looking at this sort of article where we give all the detail for the Approval Software in Dubai records. Practically any strategy an abundance of thanks notwithstanding I needed to attempt to advance your own article in to scrumptious in any case it will be it appears to be that a situation utilizing your all together locales would you be able to please reverify the thought.

    ReplyDelete

  11. Whatsapp Number Call us Now! 01537587949
    please visit us: Digital Marketing Training
    sex video: iphone repair in Novi
    pone video usa:careful
    pone video usa: iphone repair in Novi

    ReplyDelete
  12. That's an amazing piece of information. Love the way you explain things. I would really appreciate another post on this topic. https://www.essaychamp.co.uk/

    ReplyDelete
  13. I believe each person this widespread and Diesel Supplier In Ajman gathers the element and fills this frame. Own article into delicious though it is plainly a predicament using your in order web sites are you able to please recheck the concept.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hi lovely, I have enjoying your blog lately, I am starting to follow you now, I really love you style, If you like my blog, You can follow me back! Love this look very stylish! Have a great day.
    darling and the franxx hoodie

    ReplyDelete
  15. We are an online writing company established to help students from all over the world. We aim at making college life more enjoyable for students, which is why we are always available for students’ help. We provide services in writing assignment and proofreading so that students can submit their assignments on time. These assignments are plagiarism free.
    Cheap Essay Writing Service Uk

    ReplyDelete
  16. Allow students to maintain the physical context at the focal point in their problem-solving and attend to Best Assignment Writer Services #1 in UK the physical relationships between portions to assist them motive their manner or think their manner to an answer as opposed to perform a mere set of rules.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Brockhampton Merch Best Store for Amazing T-Shirts, and upscale shoes and Hoodies. known as the official sites. we offer enormous markdown.
    brockhamptonmerch

    ReplyDelete
  18. Permit understudies to keep up the actual setting at the point of convergence in their critical thinking and go to Best Assignment Writer Services #1 in UK the actual connections
    Fast And Furious 9 Jordana Brewster Jacket

    ReplyDelete
  19. This blog was extremely helpful. I really appreciate your kindness in sharing this with me and everyone else!
    juice wrld merch

    ReplyDelete
  20. Given the uniqueness of the task and the difficulties these students face when using the tool, it is very important for the right tool for drafting assignment to make the tools available free of charge.

    ReplyDelete
  21. This is a very nice blog and learned more knowledge to read this post thanks for sharing this informative post.
    I feel extremely cheerful to have seen your post. I found the most beautiful and fascinating one. I am really extremely glad to visit your post.
    Great website you have got here. Keep up the good work and thanks for sharing your blog site it really help a lot.
    I read this article. I think You put a great deal of exertion to make this article
    cdg hoodie

    ReplyDelete
  22. To get a high score for an essay in a foreign language, you should pay attention not only to grammar, but also try to use a sufficient number of introductory constructions, stable phrases, phraseological units, and pro essay writers in order not only to uncover the topic in an original way but also to demonstrate a deep knowledge of the subject.

    ReplyDelete
  23. ,This is my first visit to your blog we are a group of volunteers and starting a new initiative in a community in the new niche.Your blog provided us valuable information to work on .You have done a marvelous job .
    salman

    ReplyDelete
  24. our products features a stylish aesthetic,complimentary with any outdoor setting,Heavy Duty and Breathable Fabric Pet Bird Cage factory designed to keep yourclothing, patio furniture clean and ultimate in protection...

    ReplyDelete
  25. Corpse Merch from Official Corpse Husband Merchandise Store. Shop Corpse Merch Hoodies, Shirts, Jackets, Shoes @ Discount Price. ✅ Fast Shipping Worldwide.click here

    ReplyDelete
  26. Welcome to Casino FAQs – The Online Casino Encyclopedia. We source the net for the most common questions being asked, and find the solutionsonline casino

    ReplyDelete
  27. A modern style swiss-made chronograph watch for men. Stainless steel men's watches, swiss movement, sapphire crystal, dive watch & water-prooSwiss made dive watchf

    ReplyDelete
  28. This is a very nice blog and learned more knowledge to read this post thanks for sharing this informative post.
    Click here

    ReplyDelete
  29. Wow! Nice article. Good Information Shared by the Author. When you Donate Zakat with us, we use it to assist with battling destitution through feasible change or give quick crisis help when emergency hits. Through your liberal Zakat or Sadaqah gift, kids will get food, medication and schooling to work toward a more joyful, more promising time to come

    ReplyDelete
  30. Facebook expresses “We’re so sorry if you weren’t able to access our products during the last couple of hours,” the statement was given by the company “We know how much you depend on us to communicate with one another

    ReplyDelete
  31. Genuinely when someone doesn’t understand after that its up to other visitors that they will help, so here it happens.|

    무료야설
    대딸방
    마사지블루
    건전마사지
    바카라사이트

    ReplyDelete
  32. Nice blog and absolutely outstanding. You can do something much better but i still say this perfect.
    룰렛사이트탑

    ReplyDelete
  33. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  34. I had a nursing dissertation paper work that I was obtaining complications with. I decided to discover some type of writing service to accomplish it and I was really impressed that in spite of the short time frame, my writer was able to make a quality nursing paper in so small time. I was amazed simply because I've been struggling with the identical paper for any couple of weeks. In 1 day they took my perform, organized it into a coherent structure, added sources, bibliography now I'm a frequent client.

    ReplyDelete
  35. For the sake of this discussion, it is obvious that agricultural-derived pollution (mostly due to livestock), as measured at point 2, is limited and has a minimal impact (except for the ammoniumion). This is not the case for pollution of human origin (point 3), which has a significant impact on the pH, the quantity of dissolved ions, the quantity of nitrite ions, custom nursing paper writing help USA the quantity of nitrate ions, and the quantity of phosphate ions, resulting in a significant decrease in the dissolved oxygen content, making aquatic life difficult. Furthermore, at point 2, it is still possible to see gammarids (Gammarus pulex, L., 1758) and odonatelarvae, including Damselies (Zygoptera, Selys, 1854), although this is no longer the case at point 1. Assignment.

    ReplyDelete
  36. This is very interesting. Many people gave positive comments on this article. We also provide important content for you to read here: Politeknik Jawa Tengah & Kuliah Online

    ReplyDelete
  37. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Creative Marketers BD is a team of skilled digital marketers for offering quality SEO, Content Writing and Graphics Design, and Web Development works. We are providing Digital Marketing Services both for companies and individuals.

    Are you Looking for cost effective SEO Company in Bangladesh? So you are the right place to start! With Creative Marketers BD, get the best responsive website design for your online business. We are here to help your business to be a success! We can expand your business through reaching to the right audience.

    To expand your business locally or globally, Creative Marketers BD is the perfect choice for you. If you want to grow your business with the help of effective digital marketing works, Creative Marketers BD is available to assist you wholeheartedly.

    ReplyDelete
  39. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  40. BEST SEO search engine optimization, is the process of achieving better search engine rankings and more traffic with the ultimate goal of generating more business.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Total SMM Panel in Pakistan, Cheapest SMM panel, Buy Social Media SMM Panel YouTube Subscribers, YouTube Watch time, Instagram followers Facebook page likes.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Online gambling clubs, otherwise called virtual club or web gambling club are an internet based rendition of customary gambling clubs.해운대출장샵추천
    사하출장샵추천
    금정출장샵추천
    연제출장샵추천
    수영출장샵추천
    사상출장샵추천
    수성출장샵추천

    ReplyDelete
  43. Great post. I found your website comprehensive for my needs. I truly like what you have acquired here, canaan avalon 1246

    ReplyDelete
  44. Nearly all treatment-seekers thought-about it unrealistic to anticipate people with a gambling downside have the ability to|to have the ability to} self-regulate their gambling. They advocated for improved operator practices, including affordability checks, imposed 1xbet betting limits, timers on betting web sites, and a dashboard summarising betting transactions. Some treatment-seekers also thought that operators should proactively monitor for harmful gambling behaviours, intervene to check on the customer’s welfare, and exclude them if necessary. Both treatment- and non-treatment-seekers famous the elevated velocity and ease of online gambling, which now permits prompt entry from wherever at any time and elevated their gambling opportunities. Many treatment- and non-treatment-seekers had been aware of the huge range of just lately introduced wager varieties, significantly multi-bets.

    ReplyDelete
  45. I really enjoyed the whiteboarding and discourse session of ModChem Day 9 Part 1. It was great to learn new ways to explain and visualize concepts. troypoint reviews I appreciate the opportunity to participate and learn from the facilitators. It was an engaging and informative session.

    ReplyDelete
  46. I'm truly glad to say it's an intriguing post to read. I get new information from your article.shopcorteizuk.com

    ReplyDelete
  47. I never stop myself to express something about your nice work. You're working really hard.chromehearthoodies.com

    ReplyDelete