Sunday, November 18, 2012

Blog Assignment 12

Dr. Strange has given us an opportunity to create a assignment for a blog post in our area of specialty. I am double majoring in Secondary General Science Education and Biology. I have always been curious about what other biology teachers are doing with their high school teachers to enhance learning because science is very complex and requires experimentation. I came upon Mr. Paul Anderson on YouTube when trying to find some lectures to use as a study tool for some of my biology classes. After some investigation, I found that Mr. Anderson is an AP Biology teacher who has been teaching at Bozeman High School for 18 years. His passion for teaching science can be reflected by how he uses technology, game mechanics, and the flipped classroom to create engagement. I have learned a lot from him, in terms of teaching strategies and science itself. I am very thankful to him.

Even though this assignment may seem short, I feel like it has given me so much. So, here is my assignment:

Mr. Paul Anderson is a high school AP Biology teacher. (Look around his blog. You may find some helpful tips and tools.) After watching the Blended Learning Cycle, summarize the strategy that Mr. Anderson uses, and explain how you feel about his strategy. Send Mr. Anderson a thank you tweet (@paulandersen). Include #edm310 in the tweet so I will see it.

Mr. Anderson says blended learning is "taking the compelling parts of online, mobile, and classroom learning and blending them together". The learning cycle, which follows the process to engage, explore, explain, and expand, is a great way to evaluate and learn science. When you intermix blended learning and the learning cycle you achieve the blended learning cycle.

Screenshot of part of Dr. Anderson's podcast on blended learning

The steps of the blended learning cycle are as follows:
1. Question: presenting a phenomenon that instigates curiosity and grabs attention
2. Investigation/Inquiry: using experimentation and investigations by hands-on activities
3. Video: using video podcast for teaching instead of classroom lectures
4. Elaboration: reading and solving problems to better understand concepts
5. Review: meeting individually or in small groups to find out the progress and understanding of students, who are not allowed to move on to the next step (the summary quiz) without understanding the material
6. Summary Quiz: testing students about what they learned

I believe that Mr. Anderson utilizes a great method for teaching science. His process enables students to be able to understand what science is and explain phenomenon, which is the motive of a scientist. I can't see a better way to implement technology and promote independent learning. By using the blended learning cycle, a teacher can feel more involved and get more time to reach each student individually. The technology-based learning atmosphere also provokes student attention. I can't wait to implement some version of this strategy!

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