I happened upon an article a couple of links past an article emailed from the Department Chair. It was about Think-Write-Pair-Share! Somehow, I’d totally forgotten about this instruction classic. In my defense, although I do have a Master’s Degree in Education, it’s been 10 years since I was an education student.
This isn’t to say that I’ve become one of those teachers who, over the years, forgo using the “multiple teaching methods” they learned in college in favor of just lecturing. Quite the opposite, actually! I am constantly researching and experimenting with new teaching methods, especially those that integrate technology. I’ve used clickers, guided notes, scavenger hunts. That’s good, right?
To an extent, yes. The more variety students have, the more interested they’ll be. Using technology is efficient, effective, and a “familiar face” for students.
BUT, the shiny and new should not replace the tried and true. Not in regard to material goods or people, and not in regard to instruction. Just as I recycle paper, plastic, and printer ink cartridges, I resolve to recycle successful lessons–teaching methods and activities.
So, I am going to use TWPS in class this week. And, I might even dust off the classic approach to grammar instruction: sentence-diagramming.
IN A COMMENT, TELL US WHAT YOU THINK THIS SENTENCE IS!
If you want to learn about TWPS, here’s the article that I read:
Think-Write-Pair-Share
Related articles
- Tech-Savvy Classrooms – Jeffrey Piontek’s Outdated Teaching Methods Keynote Suggests Tech Revo (TrendHunter.com) (trendhunter.com)
- Teaching Methods (ivythesis.typepad.com)
- How to teach methods we don’t like? (andrewgelman.com)
I have missed my calling as a copy editor, for errors in published materials jump out at me. (It’s like a regional track meet of jumping errors when I critique my students’ papers!)
Today’s error is brought to you by the Columbus Dispatch.
WHAT’S THE ERROR? Answer in a comment; don’t cheat and read others’ comments first!
Professor Girl 