When thinking about developing a game plan for teaching. I have to admit this is one of my weakest areas. I started to read this weeks reading A Self-Directed Guide to Designing Courses for Significant Learning by L. Dee Fink, and learned that one must start with the end in site. I must say that there have been times when the end was not always in site when creating units.
It is important as an educator that I create significant learning environments. In order to do that effectively I need to understand what I what in the end for my students. That is easier said than done. I, like most teachers were taught to how to write lessons but not in the way that Fink describes.
When looking at significant learning environments one must first start at the end. In order to do this Fink has developed some helpful worksheets that can help get those thoughts written down.
First Step: Consider the Situational Factors
So first I took a look at the situational factors. Here I was able to look at the course carefully. In this step I was able to look at the situational factors that are present for the course. Some of the factors are more important than others. Some factors will play a more specific role in the creation of the class while others will play a limited role.
The general categories that Fink found useful to consider are the following:
• Specific Context of the Teaching/Learning Situation
• General Context of the Learning Situation
• Nature of the Subject
• Characteristics of the Learners
• Characteristics of the Teacher
To read more about my Situational Factors Click Here.
Second Step:Questions for Formulating Significant Learning Goals
The second step of this process was the most difficult part for me. This is not something that I am accustomed to doing. This step really made me think about what was important in this course. How do I want this course to be developed? I know what I teach but in the end I need to know what I want my students to know.
To read more about my Significant Learning Goals Click Here.
Step Three: Creating a Three Table Column
By using Fink’s self directed outline I came up with this three table column.
Reference
Fink, L. D. (2003). A self-direct guide to designing course for significant
learning [Pamphlet]. San Francisco, CA
leigh4education.school.blog 