Board work
Last day I had students write definitions on board (at least three can do it at the same time) and then other students go to board and edit definition for improvement. It is good idea! It gets students writing and editing each other's work.
(kindness of Don Potteroff)
Click on title to see game guidelines. This one is a GREAT vocab study method because you have to work with the terms so many times to finish the assignment! It is definitely learning by doing.
Read Outloud (Jan 2008)
Many of the kids are good readers and reading outloud helps them practice pronunciation. Think about reading silently yourself: Don't you sometimes say words wrongly in your head? I do. So having students read is good for them and keeps them focussed and on task. If you have something intresting to read to them, then reading to them is ok too.
Whip Around (April 2008)
I am not clear on the reason for the name, but basically, students answer a question or make a list on a sticky note (ex. ions that are multivalent) and you ask individuals to respond. Each time a student has a part of the answer correct they sit down and all others with the same answer. Finally ask those remaining what has been missed to date.
Pair and Share (April 2008)
I had students answer questions in writing then grouped them (2 in one group; 3 in the other) to compare their answers and improve their answers. It took several minutes to get talking(like 5 minutes of dead silence), but "extended wait time" worked and then I heard, "Why do you think..?" and "Are you sure that.... I don't think so because..." Wow!
Peer Teaching (April 2008)
When student teach each other, it gives the teacher a chance to see what they understand and it also is a good method for students to develop their understanding. This, of course, works well in small groups where each student or group can independently learn
Labs (April 2008)
Making flowcharts the night before a lab helps students prepare for labs. Students need to have flowcharts taught and assessed though because they cannot see their own mistakes. In prepping for labs, students also should make a data table to put their measurement in (and they will know what needs to be in their data table by doing their flowchart to prepare for the lab.