Ayda Parra

CT

After the Bell: Strategies for learning and metacognition—Identifying and remembering big ideas

Thu, Aug 03, 2017 9:56 AM
Remembering BIG Ideas

One of the points of this article is "The assumption that young children do not possess the working short term memory for processing complex information" which can be explained by physical development and certainly agree with the strategies presented on it. However, the article mentions second point: "learning continues to grow across subjects as learners get older" as another assumption. It is my understanding that research shows that students use strategies to cluster information. It is also observed in research for second language acquisition and brain research. The brain makes connections every time it encounters new information is an effective way for learning. It can not be presented as an assumption, but as a fact. The idea of "thinking about thinking" (metacognition) is a pivotal and fundamental strategy in all subject areas. This article is an excellent example of how to use strategies for English Language learners. The use of mnemonic systems such as rhymes, acronyms, acrostics and peg words are examples of it.

Celebrating Science With the Community

Thu, Aug 03, 2017 9:35 AM
Involvement

This article celebrates the stance of the traditional science fair, that for most young students was a requirement rather than an enjoyable experience. I think that it takes a community to change perspectives and to move forward to better outcomes. Science can be part of this change. If schools could use the expertise of not only teachers, students and families and manage to put together professionals and universities together, they would be able to solve everyday problems attached to those particular places. The intention of creating these spaces of creativity, culture and science is essential for young children, which might be inspired to follow a path of community involvement, and success in learning.

Seeing Science in Haiku

Thu, Aug 03, 2017 9:24 AM
Inspiration in science

I enjoyed this article for many reasons, including the importance of realizing the connection between art, poetry, literature, and science and mathematics. Incorporating poetry, such as haikus, into teaching various scientific occurrences will not only create a more creative learning environment but also reach a broader and more diverse audience. Learners that might not excel at sciences may end up being inspired when art is involved. Another aspect relevant to this article is the benefits that outside walkings through nature brings to a classroom of diverse learners. It provides the everybody with the same experience and provide inspiration and motivation into the learning process, acknowledging individual creativity as learners can sketch, write, take notes or pictures, providing different perspectives to the class.