Thursday, June 16, 2011

ReadWriteThink and Unit Plans

The units I reviewed can be accessed at the following links:

Twenty-First Century Informational Literacy: Integrating Research Techniques and Technology
http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/lesson-plans/twenty-first-century-informational-30581.html?tab=4#tabs

The Ten-Minute Play: Encouraging Original Response to Challenging Texts

http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/lesson-plans/minute-play-encouraging-original-1118.html

Help Wanted: Writing Professional Resumes

http://www.readwritethink.org/classroom-resources/lesson-plans/help-wanted-writing-professional-1110.html


After reviewing the three units, I have determined that Writing Professional Resumes incorporated the most effective technology.  The plan provided web interactives such as Venn Diagrams and Notetaker to assist the students in thought development.  The unit also provided websites such as Monster and Career Builder so the students can get help building resumes and view sample resumes belonging to applicants.  In addition, it provided a list of suggested online resources.  The techniques and technology unit integrated technology; however, it was strictly software used to create comics.  Unless the student was interested in pursuing a career in the field of writing, it would not carry over to daily living experiences.

Professional Resumes unit was also the most effective in promoting student learning. The unit a plethora of student interaction.  they worked in group and analyzed their own work and the work of classmates.  The instructor also left room for to the student to gain knowledge on their own by providing discussions that involved open ended questions and real world activities such as posting resumes on sites.  the activities learned in this unit will carry over to the things needed to function in society.

Professional Resumes was also the most useful in meeting the needs of diverse learners.  Many sites listed as resources have templates to aid in resume writing.  This is excellent for students who may lack prior knowledge in some areas.  This allows them to use other materials to aid in creating ideas.  Moreover, the class has plenty of peer interaction and analysis of student work.  This will give students who are more hands on the opportunity to work with others to grasp concepts better.  They also incorporate computer time in the classroom.  the students are able to pair with classmates who can assist them in learning skills that are more difficult when done individually.

None of the assessments were really authentic.  If I had to choose one of the three it would be the Challenging Text Unit. This unit allows the student to be critique him/herself, a peer critique, and a critique from the instructor.  Then, they discuss what they learned at the end. The instructor will complete a play assessment rubric on each student.  The students will also complete a play peer review.  The students will write self assessments based on their own reflections and critiques done by peers.  Last, in small groups, the class will reflect on their understanding using a Drama Reflection. 

If I had to choose one of the three units, it would be resume writing.  I love the layout of the unit, and the activities connect with real world activities.  However, I would incorporate more interaction between the students and the real world to provide hands on learning.  I would include a field trip to a job fair so the students could interact with employers after submitting the resumes.  Also, I would have a local business visit the school to discuss what they look for in resumes.  Hopefully, they could critique a few completed by the students.

1 comment:

  1. I would suggest that students perform a mock interview. I would pair students up as interviewers and applicants and students would be required to come to school in attire that is appropriate for an interview. The interviewer would ask the applicant questions, writing down the things that seemed appropriate and inappropriate during the mock interview. I believe that if students can pick out the appropriate and inappropriate things that applicants do during an interview they will have a better understanding of a proper interview.

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