Lesson 1: Anchored Instruction Symposium

checkbox2Category to select: B. Anchored Instruction Symposium
Due on Friday of Week 6.

Consider one of the questions on anchored instruction assigned below. Construct a response utilizing the readings on anchored instruction as well as prior readings on conceptual change. You will note that many questions also invite you to consider the learning theory in the context of a contemporary digital technology.

1. Your response should be at minimum 250 words and illustrate some deep thinking about anchored instruction principles as well as an orientation towards pedagogical content knowledge or PCK (that is, about teaching strategies or learning challenges for concepts in your subject area). Aim to employ the language of constructivism and conceptual change where relevant. Post in advance of the respond by date.

View the questions

  • What perceived issue or problem are the Jasper materials responding to? Do you agree that this is an issue or problem? What does the current literature that you have read say about this issue? How is this issue addressed in the design of the Jasper materials? In what ways do contemporary videos available for math instruction and their support materials (c.f. Khan Academy, Crash Course, BBC Learn "Classroom Clips" and "Academic Earth", video clips in Number Worlds, or others) address or not address these issues?
  • What is the theoretical framework underpinning the development of the Jasper series? What kind of teaching and learning activities do the materials support and what is the role of technology? In your view, what are the potential cognitive and social affordances of the technology; in other words, how can video technology enhance learning? What are these affordances for students with learning challenges or learning issues in math? Take a look now at Math Pursuits at the University of Cincinnati and their "Classroom Connections" Video Clips. In what ways do the videos in Classroom Connections and the support materials on the site exemplify these affordances?
  • What evidence exists regarding anchored instruction? What are some important nuances of the research that are pertinent to your practice? What further inquiries or questions does the research reported in the articles raise for you (e.g. regarding evaluation, professional development, disabilities and/or the content area you teach or would like to promote etc)? Finally, in what ways might a current technology for math (Eg. Mathletics, CTC Math, IXL, Dragonbox, or others) address in part this question?
  • How does this technology support learning and conversely how might it confound learning? What suggestions do you have for how the Jasper materials or other digital video might be utilized in your context (include suggestions for activities that do not involve the videos)? What research supports your suggestions? How might the video and/or the activities be augmented for children with learning issues in math? How have or can the contemporary digital technologies and/or their websites also support these suggestions for children with learning issues (eg. Prodigy, Desmos, King of Math, Math Bingo, Reflex Math, or others).
  • Creating digital video is now more available and more efficient than it was when the Jasper series were initially developed. Briefly, if given the opportunity, what kind of mathematical or science adventure might you design? Why? Pay attention to your underlying assumptions about teaching and learning regarding your design and your definition of technology. How would instruction in this adventure help to address misconceptions in math or science for some students?


2. Respond to two other posts by Friday of Week 6.

3. Compose two entries for your inquiry e-folio option: In addition to your entry above, add a commentary on your perspectives after the symposium in your inquiry e-folio, for a total of 2 required entries.


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