How student-centred was the lesson?

Source: Engaging IT – Insight from the class room (MOE)

Case Study 2: Derek engaged the class in an essay writing by grouping them in groups of four. Each group is further divided into two pairs; one pair is to tackle the video clip and the other is to review the digital pictures. Both pairs will then come together to discuss and improvise a story and then type out the plot accordingly.

1. Teacher’s roles (score: 9):

Throughout the lesson, it was clear that Derek was well aware of his individual role. He allowed the class to settle among themselves to discuss on the plot. Little time was wasted in Derek speaking to the students on how to approach the lesson and to set up any rules for the lesson. This allowed the students space to tap into their creativity with minimum interference from the teacher. The only time Derek spoke was during his rounds with the individual groups as well as towards the end. He was clear in his role as a facilitator as he persistently asked probing question of the “hows” and “whys” thus in a way coercing his pupils to think and rationalise more as a result.

 2. Student’s role (score: 8):

I am tempted to give a 9 for this. The reason being the students had ample opportunity to voice out their different perspectives and interpretation of the video clip and pictures they were reviewing. This allows each of them to be able to appreciate how their fellow classmates view the same data and as a result , broadens their viewpoint and allows them to try different approaches for future essays. Also, the approach to the typing of the plot essay i felt was really good. By sharing together the different choice of words and vocabulary as a group,in a way the students are subconciously fine tuning their own writing skills. 

However, under such a setting, group dynamics and management of the class play essential roles. The teacher has to be alert to spot passivity among some groups who may not be so vocal. Also, it may be quite tiring and challenging for Derek to try to ensure every group is progressing in the right direction. Derek may want to encourage role switch, appointing group leaders for each group which the students will take turn to become etc. Leaders will help to facilitate among themselves and “push” the group discussion along.

 3. Curriculum Characteristics (score: 8):

   The lesson plan was such that the ICT tools such as the video clip was used rather appropriately to kick start the creative story telling among the students. The digital pictures presented them with a choice of viewing from multiple perspectives. All these works well for the lesson in the sense that a great of freedom was given to them to learn and express their own individual viewpoints. They can see themselves as owners of the project/lesson as they were very much in control of the plot, the approach and the usage of the microsoft words to aid them in the essay. Teamwork among them was also very much evident. 

The only thing is once again managing the group dynamics part by Derek, which has to be there. In the redesign lesson, Derek learnt from his mistake and this time round, he divided them into groups to focus on different components of the essay i.e. plot, character, setting and climax. By doing so, the students had better focus and time wastage was minimized.

 4. Learning Goal (score: 8):

As was mentioned in point 2, the students were able to broaden their approach to plot writing by the sharing of different perspectives by their peers. Also, the holistic approach to typing out the words to the essay as a group, allows them to improve on their writing skills. 

I do not think it is a perfect ten as the students in their eagerness to share their views may not have the maturity to manage their time well by keeping the discussion organised. This is evident from the first lesson whereby too much time was spent agreeing among the group the plot and little time left for typing of the essay. 

 5. Type of Activities (score: 8):

The lesson is definitely a group collaboration form of approach. It is clearly a good opportunity for the students to learn how to engage one another in team settings and also they are given the opportunity to improve on their presentation and organization skills through the various interaction. 

It would be good though if there is a short debrief at the end of the lesson whereby Derek will give an assessment of each individual group. Although collaboration work is effective as in this case study, the students given their level of maturity (sec 3), may not be able to grasp the planning part and to maintain the timeliness of the discussion. Also, good practices like positive attitude and teamwork by any groups has to be voiced out to the class so that they will know what is the standard of expectation the teacher wants from the class.   

6. Assessment strategies (score: 7):

It would not be easy, if not impossible to measure the performance of the individual student but i feel this should not be the main purpose for such a lesson. The assessment should be based on group performance as i see teamwork as a vital component of the whole exercise. There are ample opportunities for Derek to evaluate them based on their response to his questions. Derek will ask probing questions regarding the essay the group has done. By assessing their replies, he will be able to tell to an extent, the group’s level of learning and how much effort has been put in. Also, the use of different color code to represent different stages of the essay will allow Derek to see if they are able to effectively and efficiently utlize what have been previously taught to them in class.

7. Use of ICT (score: 8):

ICT come into play in the use of digital picture and video clip as materials for the students to work on. They also need to rely on microsoft word tools to present different color codes to signify different structures to the essay.  I think the usage of videos and pictures helps challenge them to broaden their perspectives during discussion with their peers. It also creates a more interesting environment for them to want to be more creative. The MSword tools are user friendly enough for them to use for group purposes and aids their typing speed as well. Derek might want to demonstrate to the class clearly how to navigate the different ICT tools available at the beginning of lesson to minimise any subsequent problems later.