OER4Schools/What is interactive teaching: Difference between revisions

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}}{{OER4SchoolsWSInfo
}}{{OER4SchoolsWSInfo
|intention={{ OER4SchoolsWSInfo/intention intro}}
|intention={{ OER4SchoolsWSInfo/intention intro}}
* the interactive teaching technique of '''brainstorming''' and how and when to use it in the classroom,
* the interactive teaching technique of '''brainstorming''', and how and when to use it in the classroom, and
* '''activity templates''' for interactive teaching techniques and how these can be introduced alongside current lesson plans,
* '''activity templates''' for interactive teaching techniques, and how these can be introduced alongside current lesson plans.  
* the '''cycle of ongoing reflective practice''' (plan - teach - reflect) and how this can be used to improve planned interactive teaching activities plan teach reflect, and
* an activity on how to use a '''netbook''' to open a web browser.  


|success criteria={{ OER4SchoolsWSInfo/criteria intro}}
|success criteria={{ OER4SchoolsWSInfo/criteria intro}}
* plan a brainstorm activity that has the potential to generates lots of ideas,  
* plan a brainstorm activity that has the potential to generate lots of ideas,  
* complete an activity template for the brainstorm activity that has a clear learning objective,
* complete an activity template for the brainstorm activity that has a clear learning objective,
* do this activity in the classroom,  
* do this activity in the classroom, and
* reflect on this activity (and revise if necessary) to ensure maximum interaction from students, and
* reflect on this activity (and revise, if necessary) to ensure maximum interaction from students.
* use a netbook to open a web browser and induct students in the process before the next session.
 
|ict=There are no ICT components for this session — this will start in the next session.


|ict={{ OER4SchoolsWSInfo/ICT intro}} 
* ''Netbook familiarisation'': Switching on, logging in, opening a web browser
{{ OER4SchoolsWSInfo/ICT intro students}} 
* you will try the same activity in the classroom, introducing yourstudents to the netbooks.
}}
}}
= Introduction and ice breakers =
{{activity|wcd|: Introduction to the programme.|30}}
{{ednote|text=
It is imperative that you read the text of this session and the following sessions very carefully, and clarify any issues.  You should make the learning intentions and the success criteria for the sessions explicit to the participants, perhaps by writing them on the board or printing them out separately.  These should be referred to when appropriate as you proceed through the session/s.
}}
[[Image:Abel photo 2.jpg|300px|thumb]]
Welcome to the first workshop of the [[OER4Schools]] programme. The facilitator will now guide you through some introductory activities.


{{ednote|text=
{{ednote|text=
As a facilitator, you should have read the introductory material to the programme very carefully, including "[[OER4Schools/How_to_use_this_resource|how to use this resource]]" and
"[[OER4Schools/How_to_run_workshops|how to run workshops]]".


It is imperative that you read the text of this session, and the following sessions very carefully, and clarify any issues.  You should make the learning intentions and the success criteria for the sessions explicit to the participants perhaps by writing them on the board or printing them out separately.  These should be referred to when appropriate as you proceed through the session/s.
You now start the session with an ice breaker, and then make essential arrangements.


}}
}}


[[Image:Abel photo 2.jpg|300px]]
As part of this, you have the opportunity to discuss
* a weekly time for the workshops,
* whether you are going to use first or second names,
* your expectations,
* whether participants need to come on time, or report in if they are ill,
* keeping a register,
* the use of the ICT equipment, and
* any other suggestions, ideas, and concerns you may have.
 
 
{{ednote|text=
At this point, you should make a programme agreement, as a set of "ground rules".
 
Record some of the outcomes from the discussion above, for instance recording ground rules like this:
* We keep a register of attendance, that will be shared with the head teacher.
* Because we respect each others time, we pledge to arrive on time, and stay for the duration of each workshop.
* We implement activities in our classroom.
* When you discuss ICT use later in this session, you should also devise a rota for ICT equipment use.
You can revisit these rules as the programme continues, but for now it is important to make them.
 
'''Write the rules down on paper, and keep them available. Perhaps put them up in the room where the workshops take place. You could get participants to sign the sheet as well, to firm up the commitment.'''
}}


= Brainstorm on interactive teaching =
= Brainstorm on interactive teaching =
{{ednote|text=
You are now starting the first activity. Make sure that participants are alert and excited. If necessary, do another quick ice breaker and then launch into the first activity.
'''Record the brainstorm. '''The facilitator writes on a board or a large sheet of paper, or makes notes for everybody to see on the overhead projector. Alternatively, participants write on small pieces of paper which are placed on a table. If there are no facilities, then it is okay to not make a record.  There should be no evaluation of responses when using the brainstorming technique.
}}


{{activity|wcb| on interactive teaching.|10}} Consider the following questions:
{{activity|wcb| on interactive teaching.|10}} Consider the following questions:
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* What interactive techniques do you know?
* What interactive techniques do you know?
* How often have you used such techniques?
* How often have you used such techniques?


{{ednote|text=
{{ednote|text=
What is a "whole group brainstorm"?
What is a "whole group brainstorm"?


Make it clear to the participants that you want to hear from everyone and that they shouldn't worry if they're not sure but should have a go at making a suggestion... we will develop our collective understanding as time goes on (what are teachers’ expectations?).  There are no wrong answers, just ideas.  Here we have used a number of questions to give participants an idea of how wide ranging their responses can be.  The aim of this brainstorm is to find out what participants know, think and feel about interactive teaching.
Make it clear to the participants that you want to hear from everyone, and that they shouldn't worry if they're not sure, but they should have a go at making a suggestion. We will develop our collective understanding as time goes on (what are teachers’ expectations?).  There are no wrong answers, just ideas.  Here we have used a number of questions to give participants an idea of how wide-ranging their responses can be.  The aim of this brainstorm is to find out what participants know, think and feel about interactive teaching.


If participants are not very forthcoming, probe them with additional questions, eg what do you think interactive teaching might be? Is it the same as learner-centred teaching?
If participants are not very forthcoming, probe them with additional questions, e.g. 'What do you think interactive teaching might be? Is it the same as learner-centred teaching?'
 
'''Record the brainstorm. '''The facilitator writes on a board or a large sheet of paper, or makes notes for everybody to see on the overhead projector. Alternatively, participants write on small pieces of paper which are placed on a table. If there are no facilities, then it is ok to not make a record.  There should be no evaluation of responses when using the brainstorming technique.


If you are part of our “facilitators program”, use the tools provided to capture the discussion.
If you are part of our “facilitators program”, use the tools provided to capture the discussion.
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= Brainstorming in the classroom =
= Brainstorming in the classroom =


{{activity|stgw|: Discussion in pairs of what a brainstorm looks like in the classroom.|5}} Now that we have done a brainstorm in the workshop, what does a brainstorm in the classroom look like?  Do you think your students would like this activity?  How could you make sure that all students get actively involved?  Discuss this with your neighbour.
{{ednote|text=
 
The following activity is same-task group work, done in pairs. So for this part of the session you are doing group work, and each group is a pair. Just ask participants to turn to each other.
 
}}
 
{{activity|stgw|: Discussion in pairs about what {{activitytag| brainstorming}} looks like in the classroom.|5}} Now that we have done a brainstorm in the workshop, what does a brainstorm in the classroom look like?  Do you think your students would like this activity?  How could you make sure that all students get actively involved?  Discuss this with your neighbour.
 
{{activity|wcd|: Reporting back from the discussion.|5}} Participants briefly report back from the group work.
 
{{ednote|text=
Make sure that participants get the idea of what a brainstorm is.
 
You do not need to go round all the groups. You can just ask whether people have more to add.
}}


{{activity|otr|: Watch video of a brainstorm.|5}} Watch the following video clip together. As you watch, think about the following:  
{{activity|otr|: Watch video of a brainstorm.|5}} Watch the following video clip together. As you watch, think about the following:  
* What are you noticing?
 
* At what point(s) in the lesson could this be used?
{{: Video/Eness vertebrates 1.mp4/reflection }}
* What do you think the students are learning from this?
* How are they learning?
* Can brainstorming be used with large classes too, where there isn’t time for everyone to contribute each time? How would you adapt it for this?
* What are the benefits of brainstorming?
* What makes a brainstorm successful?
* What do you think about the teacher's comment '''''"since I want all of you to participate, no hands up, OK"'''''?


{{: Video/Eness_vertebrates_1.mp4 }}
{{: Video/Eness_vertebrates_1.mp4 }}
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{{ednote|text=
{{ednote|text=
Note that the clip shows the start of a lesson but it can be done at any point in a lesson. It shows a brainstorm – with unique contributions, allowing time to think first, {{activitytag|'no hands up’}} technique too.
Note that the clip shows the start of a session but it can be done at any point in a lesson. It shows a brainstorm – with unique contributions – allowing time to think first, {{activitytag|'no hands up’}} technique.


Workshop participants continue with the discussion.  
Workshop participants continue with the discussion.  
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}}
}}


{{activity|wcd|: Discussion on the brainstorm video.|15}} Let's now discuss this. We asked some questions above, which were:
{{activity|wcd|: Discussion on the brainstorm video.|15}} Let's now discuss this. We asked some questions above, which you should now discuss.
* What have you noticed?
* At what point(s) in the lesson could this be used?
* What do you think the students are learning from this?
* How are they learning?
* Can brainstorming be used with large classes too, where there isn’t time for everyone to contribute each time? How would you adapt it for this?
* What are the benefits of brainstorming?
* What makes a brainstorm successful?
* What do you think about the teacher's comment '''''"since I want all of you to participate, no hands up, OK"'''''?
 
 


{{ednote|text=
{{ednote|text=
During the discussion, record what participants are contributing. You could do this on a piece of paper, or on the board. You could also appoint a scribe, who does this for you, leaving you free to manage the discussion.
During the discussion, record what participants are contributing. You could do this on a piece of paper or on the board. You could also appoint a scribe who does this for you, leaving you free to manage the discussion.


Benefits of brainstorming include:
Benefits of brainstorming include:
* giving everybody an opportunity to speak,
* giving everybody an opportunity to speak,
* encouraging students to contribute a large range of ideas,
* encouraging students to contribute a large range of ideas,
* reduce the fear of risk taking, and
* reducing the fear of risk taking, and
* showing respect for each other (making sure that students do not laugh at each other).
* showing respect for all participants (making sure that students do not laugh at each other).


At the end of the discussion, summarise the outcomes of the discussion, including any key points the participants have made.
At the end of the discussion, summarise the outcomes of the discussion, including any key points the participants have made.
}}
}}


= Planning an activity - “activity template” =
{{activity|otr|: Summary.|5}} Summarise, and discuss the proper meaning of what a brainstorm is. You can refer to [[OER4Schools/activities/brainstorming]] to find out more.
 
{{activity|wcd| Discussion on activity plans.|10}} Have a brief discussion on current practice on lesson planning. Consider such things as:  Where do the lesson plans themselves come from? Do you think about the activities that are being done?  Can you see a way that new activities could be introduced along side your current lesson plans? Do you forseee any difficulties in doing this?


{{ednote|text=
{{ednote|text=
DIscuss with the participants how they plan their lessons and how the new interactive activities that they are being introduced to can work within their current plans.
Make sure that all participants understand what a brainstorm is.
 
In designing 'activities' we do not aim to replace whole lesson plans. We simply try to make some activities in the lessons more interactive.


What is the purpose of a brainstorm? It can have many purposes, but one purpose is that a brainstorm is a good way of finding out what they already know. So to go from the "known to the unknown".
}}
}}


{{activity|Introduction| to activity templates.|10}} In this section, we consider strategies to incorporate new interactive elements in your lessons, including things you might say, and things you might do. To help you structure your planning, we provide an activity template. It includes:
= Planning an activity - “activity template” =
* what the activity is (a technique such as a brainstorm, group work, mini blackboard use plus an activity in which it is used, eg “a brainstorm on what animals are found in your environment”),
* the grade,
* the subject & lesson topic,
* what the (learning) objective of the activity is (e.g. to find out what students already know about topic X),
* resources to be used (such as blackboard, mini blackboards, paper, objects, etc), and
* how is the activity carried out.
 
{{activity|stgw|: Planning in pairs for activity templates.|10}} Break into pairs, and capture the activity shown in the video above in the activity template.  Remember to include the {{activitytag|'no hands up' }} technique - this works very well with brainstorming but can also be used for general questioning.


= The cycle of plan - teach - reflect =
{{activity|wcd|: Discussion on activity plans.|10}}  Have a brief discussion about current practice on lesson planning.  Consider such things as:  Where do the lesson plans themselves come from? What do you think about the activities that are being done?  Can you see a way that new activities could be introduced alongside your current lesson plans? Do you foresee any difficulties in doing this?


{{ednote|text=
{{ednote|text=
In this section, we introduce a key tool for this programme, which we call “The cycle of plan - teach - reflect”. What this means is that in our professional learning, we progress by planning (e.g.) an activity, we then do this activity in this classroom, and then reflect on this activity (either on our own, with a colleague, or in a group). You can read more about the idea of "{{activitytag|Plan teach reflect}}".
Discuss with the participants how they plan their lessons and how the new interactive activities that they are being introduced to can work within their current plans.  
 
Sometimes we capture these reflections. The simplest way is to capture reflections is on paper. These can easily be shared. Because this is extra work (e.g. done after a lesson), teachers can be reluctant to do so, and if you’ve asked them to make notes, you may not actually get anything back. It can be helpful to give teachers some prompts, that will remind them to reflect.
 
It is important to make very concrete plans with the teachers as to when they will be using their activities, and we would strongly recommend that teachers decide on a particular day / lesson / class, when they will be trialling an activity.
 
Also arrange with the teachers when they will reflect, for instance agree that the teachers will reflect immediately after the lesson. It is a common pattern for teachers to set the class quiet work. While we do not necessarily encourage this as a good use of lesson time, it is an opportunity for a teacher to quickly write down some reflections. So if a series of interactive activities is followed by some individual work, the teacher could use that time to make some notes using the reflective questions provided.  


The participants will plan an activity in pairs. Explore whether it is possible for these two teachers to observe each other doing the brainstorm with their class. That is to say, is it possible for one teacher to set their class some work, to be able to observe the other teacher. In principle, this should only take about 15 minutes, so do explore whether this can be done. We will come back to this in the next session.  
In designing 'activities', we do not aim to replace whole lesson plans. We simply try to make some activities in the lessons more interactive.


As a facilitator, discuss these ideas with the participants, and make concrete plans for when the activities take place (together with peer observation), and when the associated reflection takes place.
We suggest that rather than reading the text below to (or with) the participants, that you just draw attention to the diagram, and explain the contents to the participants. Make sure that they understand the reflective questions provided. How do you know, whether they have understood these questions? For instance, you could check whether participants can give concrete examples.
}}
}}


[[Image:plan-teach-reflect.png|thumb|300px]]
{{activity|Introduction| to activity templates.|10}} In this section, we consider strategies to incorporate new interactive elements in your lessons, including things you might say and do. To help you structure your planning, we provide an activity template. The template includes details of:
* what the activity is (a technique such as a brainstorm, group work, mini blackboard use, plus an activity in which it is used, e.g. “a brainstorm on what animals are found in your environment”),
* the grade,
* the subject & lesson topic,
* what the (learning) objective of the activity is (e.g. to find out what students already know about topic X),
* resources to be used (such as blackboard, mini blackboards, paper, objects, etc.), and
* how the activity is carried out.


{{activity|Introduction| to the cycle of ongoing reflective practice.|10}} Here we introduce the cycle of '''ongoing reflective practice''' in the context of doing a brainstorm activity.  By following this cycle you will gradually refine your classroom activities, so that over time they become more interactive activities, providing better opportunities for students to learn more deeply.
{{activity|stgw|: Planning in pairs for activity templates.|10}} Break into pairs, and capture the activity (shown in the video above) in the activity template.  Remember to include the '{{activitytag|no hands up}}' technique - this works very well with brainstorming, but can also be used for general questioning.
 
* Part 1: Plan an interactive activity such as brainstorming
* Part 2: Teach using the activity, bearing in mind the learning objective
* Part 3: Reflect on how the activity went, first on your own and then with a colleague and perhaps a wider group
* Revise plan and repeat cycle
 
For reflecting on an activity, it is useful to have questions to guide the reflection. For example, the following questions could be used to guide reflection:
* What did the children get out of the activity? How can you tell?
* How did you (as the teacher) find out what the children learnt / thought about the activities / got out of them?
* What did you (as the teacher) get out of it?
* Did you find it difficult?
* What would you do differently next time?
* Did the activity allow students to meet the learning objective that it was designed to address?
 
We will use this cycle in the following section to refine a brainstorm activity.


= Planning a brainstorm activity =
= Planning a brainstorm activity =


{{activity|stgw|: Planning in pairs of a brainstorm activity.|5}} Break into pairs, and plan a brainstorm together. The pairs should be arranged, so that iit will be possible to do this brainstorm with your class (e.g. pair by grade, or pair by subject). As you plan, share your ideas with your partner as much as possible, and listen attentively to their ideas and feedback.
{{activity|stgw|: Planning in pairs of a brainstorm activity.|5}} Break into pairs, and plan a brainstorm together. The pairs should be arranged, so that it will be possible to do this brainstorm with your class (e.g. pair by grade, or pair by subject). As you plan, share your ideas with your partner as much as possible, and listen attentively to their ideas and feedback.


Here are some questions, you could consider to help you plan:
Here are some questions you could consider to help you plan:
* What do I need to know about students’ knowledge or understanding of the topic? What will I ask them to brainstorm?
* What do you need to know about students’ knowledge or understanding of the topic? What will you ask them to brainstorm about?
* What will I do with the results? How will we build on that in the rest of the lesson?
* What will you do with the results? How will you build on that in the rest of the lesson?
* What are you teaching next week?
* What are you teaching next week?
* What is the topic of your brainstorm?
* What is the topic of your brainstorm?
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{{ednote|text=
{{ednote|text=
The topic of the brainstorm needs to generate lots of ideas. Look out for topics that have correct responses and/or are narrow in scope e.g. name the parts of a flower.  This would not be a suitable topic to brainstorm, instead the topic could be 'what do we know about flowers?'.  (Further questions could be asked by the teacher as the brainstorm proceeds in order to find out the depth of the students' knowledge).  Encourage participants to accept all responses without evaluation and if possible, to make a note of them for all to see.   
The topic of the brainstorm needs to generate lots of ideas. Look out for topics that have correct responses and/or are narrow in scope, e.g. name the parts of a flower.  This would not be a suitable topic to brainstorm, instead the topic could be 'what do we know about flowers?'.  (Further questions could be asked by the teacher as the brainstorm proceeds in order to find out the depth of the students' knowledge).  Encourage participants to accept all responses without evaluation, and, if possible, to make a note of them for all to see.   
}}
}}


{{activity|wcd|: discussion of the trialled brainstorm activity.|5}} Did this work?  How do you know?  Did everyone participate?     
{{activity|wcd|: Discussion of the trialled brainstorm activity.|5}} Did this work?  How do you know?  Did everyone participate?     


{{activity|stgw|: Planning in pairs to revise the planned brainstorm activity.|5}} Based on what you have learnt from the brainstorm trialling activity, revise your brainstorm, making sure that you have phrased your topic in a way that will generate lots of ideas. You can do this activity in pairs but each one of you should plan an individual brainstorm activity that you will use with your class before the next session.
{{activity|stgw|: Planning in pairs to revise the planned brainstorm activity.|5}} Based on what you have learned from the brainstorm trialling activity, revise your brainstorm, making sure that you have phrased your topic in a way that will generate lots of ideas. You can do this activity in pairs, but each one of you should plan an individual brainstorm activity that you will use with your class before the next session.
 
= ICT practice: Netbook familiarisation =
 
{{ednote|text=
 
The following activity, as other activities in later sessions, assumes that you have some netbooks available. If you have other forms of ICT available you could use those instead. In future sessions, we will use internet browsing, spreadsheets, and GeoGebra among other applications, so it would be useful if you have access to these.
 
If you do not have any ICT at all, you can spend longer on the other activities in this session.
}}
 
{{activity|stgw|: Practical activity exploring netbooks.|20}} Here is a netbook familiarisation activity that you can use with your students, spend some time working through the activity yourself now and think about how your students will respond to it.  Make sure that you can answer all of the questions.
 
{{oinc|OER4Schools/Netbook familiarisation}}
 
{{: OER4Schools/Learning about ICT with self-awareness }}
 
= Classroom assistants =
 
{{ednote|text=
The notion of classroom assistants needs to be discussed at school level, and you may encounter resistance. However, especially if the programme has already been running in a previous year (in some grades, but no the whole school, and some students are thus familiar with netbooks), it will be very beneficial to the smooth running of activities if some arrangement with classroom assistants can be made.
 
If this is the first year that you are running the programme, you may want to consider running a computer club, which helps some students to learn about netbooks quickly, with a view to them helping out in lessons.
}}
{{: OER4Schools/Classroom assistants }}


= Follow-up activities =
= Follow-up activities =


{{activity|Agreeing follow up activities|5}}
{{activity|Agreeing follow up activities.|5}}
 
{{fup|A}} ''Practical classroom activities and reflection.'' Complete an activity template for the brainstorm activity that you planned and revised in this session.  Do the activity with your class and be prepared to reflect on how it went.
 
{{fup|B}} ''Netbook familiarisation.'' '''Introduce the class to the netbooks during one of your lessons.''' netbooks should be run on battery. The activity is described in a separate classroom worksheet at the end of the unit, that you should have in front of you when you run the activity.
 
{{fup|C}} Don’t forget to bring your activity plans again, and your recorded reflections. (Use your dictaphone if you have one, or make notes on paper or electronically)


{{fup|D}} '''Classroom assistants.''' In another lesson this week, we would like you to try to recruit two or more “classroom assistants” to help the younger children with a specific activity, either ICT-based or not. Reflect (using your dictaphone) on whether/how that was useful from your perspective and what the students’ own reactions were?
{{fup|A}} ''Practical classroom activities and reflection.'' Complete an activity template for the brainstorm activity that you planned and revised in this session.  Do the activity with your class, and be prepared to reflect on how it went.


{{fup|B}} Don’t forget to bring your activity plans again, as well as your recorded reflections. (Use your dictaphone if you have one, or make notes on paper or electronically)


{{ednote|text=
{{ednote|text=
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{{:OER4Schools/activity template}}
{{:OER4Schools/activity template}}


{{activity summary}}
{{activity summary}}


{{OER4S_NextSession}}
{{OER4S_NextSession}}

Latest revision as of 12:00, 4 April 2015

Learning intentions and objectives.
In this session you will learn about:

  • the interactive teaching technique of brainstorming, and how and when to use it in the classroom, and
  • activity templates for interactive teaching techniques, and how these can be introduced alongside current lesson plans.

Success criteria.
To meet the learning intentions you will:

  • plan a brainstorm activity that has the potential to generate lots of ideas,
  • complete an activity template for the brainstorm activity that has a clear learning objective,
  • do this activity in the classroom, and
  • reflect on this activity (and revise, if necessary) to ensure maximum interaction from students.

ICT components.
There are no ICT components for this session — this will start in the next session.


Introduction and ice breakers

Activity icon.png Whole class dialogue (30 min): Introduction to the programme.

Educator note

It is imperative that you read the text of this session and the following sessions very carefully, and clarify any issues. You should make the learning intentions and the success criteria for the sessions explicit to the participants, perhaps by writing them on the board or printing them out separately. These should be referred to when appropriate as you proceed through the session/s.

Abel photo 2.jpg

Welcome to the first workshop of the OER4Schools programme. The facilitator will now guide you through some introductory activities.

Educator note

As a facilitator, you should have read the introductory material to the programme very carefully, including "how to use this resource" and "how to run workshops".

You now start the session with an ice breaker, and then make essential arrangements.

As part of this, you have the opportunity to discuss

  • a weekly time for the workshops,
  • whether you are going to use first or second names,
  • your expectations,
  • whether participants need to come on time, or report in if they are ill,
  • keeping a register,
  • the use of the ICT equipment, and
  • any other suggestions, ideas, and concerns you may have.


Educator note

At this point, you should make a programme agreement, as a set of "ground rules".

Record some of the outcomes from the discussion above, for instance recording ground rules like this:

  • We keep a register of attendance, that will be shared with the head teacher.
  • Because we respect each others time, we pledge to arrive on time, and stay for the duration of each workshop.
  • We implement activities in our classroom.
  • When you discuss ICT use later in this session, you should also devise a rota for ICT equipment use.

You can revisit these rules as the programme continues, but for now it is important to make them.

Write the rules down on paper, and keep them available. Perhaps put them up in the room where the workshops take place. You could get participants to sign the sheet as well, to firm up the commitment.

Brainstorm on interactive teaching

Educator note

You are now starting the first activity. Make sure that participants are alert and excited. If necessary, do another quick ice breaker and then launch into the first activity.

Record the brainstorm. The facilitator writes on a board or a large sheet of paper, or makes notes for everybody to see on the overhead projector. Alternatively, participants write on small pieces of paper which are placed on a table. If there are no facilities, then it is okay to not make a record. There should be no evaluation of responses when using the brainstorming technique.

Activity icon.png Whole class brainstorm (10 min) on interactive teaching. Consider the following questions:

  • What is interactive teaching?
  • What interactive techniques do you know?
  • How often have you used such techniques?


Educator note

What is a "whole group brainstorm"?

Make it clear to the participants that you want to hear from everyone, and that they shouldn't worry if they're not sure, but they should have a go at making a suggestion. We will develop our collective understanding as time goes on (what are teachers’ expectations?). There are no wrong answers, just ideas. Here we have used a number of questions to give participants an idea of how wide-ranging their responses can be. The aim of this brainstorm is to find out what participants know, think and feel about interactive teaching.

If participants are not very forthcoming, probe them with additional questions, e.g. 'What do you think interactive teaching might be? Is it the same as learner-centred teaching?'

If you are part of our “facilitators program”, use the tools provided to capture the discussion.

Brainstorming in the classroom

Educator note

The following activity is same-task group work, done in pairs. So for this part of the session you are doing group work, and each group is a pair. Just ask participants to turn to each other.

Activity icon.png Same-task group work (5 min): Discussion in pairs about what brainstorming(a) looks like in the classroom. Now that we have done a brainstorm in the workshop, what does a brainstorm in the classroom look like? Do you think your students would like this activity? How could you make sure that all students get actively involved? Discuss this with your neighbour.

Activity icon.png Whole class dialogue (5 min): Reporting back from the discussion. Participants briefly report back from the group work.

Educator note

Make sure that participants get the idea of what a brainstorm is.

You do not need to go round all the groups. You can just ask whether people have more to add.

Activity icon.png Observing, thinking, reflecting (5 min): Watch video of a brainstorm. Watch the following video clip together. As you watch, think about the following:

  • What are you noticing?
  • At what point(s) in the lesson could this be used?
  • What do you think the students are learning from this?
  • How are they learning?
  • Can brainstorming be used with large classes too, where there isn’t time for everyone to contribute each time? How would you adapt it for this?
  • What are the benefits of brainstorming?
  • What makes a brainstorm successful?
  • What do you think about the teacher's comment "since I want all of you to participate, no hands up, OK"?

VIDEO

A brainstorm naming animals

A brainstorm naming animals. Start of lesson: brainstorm with unique contributions, time to think first, no hands up technique.

Video/Eness vertebrates 1.mp4, https://oer.opendeved.net/wiki/Video/Eness_vertebrates_1.mp4,This video is available on your memory stick in the video/Eness Vertebrates folder.About this video. Duration: 2:43 (Some use of "" in your query was not closed by a matching "". watch on YouTube, local play / download options / download from dropbox)(Series: Eness Vertebrates, episode 01)(Transcript available here or via YouTube captions.)

This clip from a Grade 3 classroom illustrates how the teacher solicits (and records) different students’ views without evaluating them.

Educator note

Note that the clip shows the start of a session but it can be done at any point in a lesson. It shows a brainstorm – with unique contributions – allowing time to think first, 'no hands up’(a) technique.

Workshop participants continue with the discussion.

Activity icon.png Whole class dialogue (15 min): Discussion on the brainstorm video. Let's now discuss this. We asked some questions above, which you should now discuss.

Educator note

During the discussion, record what participants are contributing. You could do this on a piece of paper or on the board. You could also appoint a scribe who does this for you, leaving you free to manage the discussion.

Benefits of brainstorming include:

  • giving everybody an opportunity to speak,
  • encouraging students to contribute a large range of ideas,
  • reducing the fear of risk taking, and
  • showing respect for all participants (making sure that students do not laugh at each other).

At the end of the discussion, summarise the outcomes of the discussion, including any key points the participants have made.

Activity icon.png Observing, thinking, reflecting (5 min): Summary. Summarise, and discuss the proper meaning of what a brainstorm is. You can refer to OER4Schools/activities/brainstorming to find out more.

Educator note

Make sure that all participants understand what a brainstorm is.

What is the purpose of a brainstorm? It can have many purposes, but one purpose is that a brainstorm is a good way of finding out what they already know. So to go from the "known to the unknown".

Planning an activity - “activity template”

Activity icon.png Whole class dialogue (10 min): Discussion on activity plans. Have a brief discussion about current practice on lesson planning. Consider such things as: Where do the lesson plans themselves come from? What do you think about the activities that are being done? Can you see a way that new activities could be introduced alongside your current lesson plans? Do you foresee any difficulties in doing this?

Educator note

Discuss with the participants how they plan their lessons and how the new interactive activities that they are being introduced to can work within their current plans.

In designing 'activities', we do not aim to replace whole lesson plans. We simply try to make some activities in the lessons more interactive.

Activity icon.png Introduction (10 min) to activity templates. In this section, we consider strategies to incorporate new interactive elements in your lessons, including things you might say and do. To help you structure your planning, we provide an activity template. The template includes details of:

  • what the activity is (a technique such as a brainstorm, group work, mini blackboard use, plus an activity in which it is used, e.g. “a brainstorm on what animals are found in your environment”),
  • the grade,
  • the subject & lesson topic,
  • what the (learning) objective of the activity is (e.g. to find out what students already know about topic X),
  • resources to be used (such as blackboard, mini blackboards, paper, objects, etc.), and
  • how the activity is carried out.

Activity icon.png Same-task group work (10 min): Planning in pairs for activity templates. Break into pairs, and capture the activity (shown in the video above) in the activity template. Remember to include the 'no hands up(a)' technique - this works very well with brainstorming, but can also be used for general questioning.

Planning a brainstorm activity

Activity icon.png Same-task group work (5 min): Planning in pairs of a brainstorm activity. Break into pairs, and plan a brainstorm together. The pairs should be arranged, so that it will be possible to do this brainstorm with your class (e.g. pair by grade, or pair by subject). As you plan, share your ideas with your partner as much as possible, and listen attentively to their ideas and feedback.

Here are some questions you could consider to help you plan:

  • What do you need to know about students’ knowledge or understanding of the topic? What will you ask them to brainstorm about?
  • What will you do with the results? How will you build on that in the rest of the lesson?
  • What are you teaching next week?
  • What is the topic of your brainstorm?
  • What makes for a good topic?

Activity icon.png Whole class brainstorm (5 min) of participant's suggestions. Pick one or two of the brainstorms that were just planned and try them on the rest of the group.

Educator note

The topic of the brainstorm needs to generate lots of ideas. Look out for topics that have correct responses and/or are narrow in scope, e.g. name the parts of a flower. This would not be a suitable topic to brainstorm, instead the topic could be 'what do we know about flowers?'. (Further questions could be asked by the teacher as the brainstorm proceeds in order to find out the depth of the students' knowledge). Encourage participants to accept all responses without evaluation, and, if possible, to make a note of them for all to see.

Activity icon.png Whole class dialogue (5 min): Discussion of the trialled brainstorm activity. Did this work? How do you know? Did everyone participate?

Activity icon.png Same-task group work (5 min): Planning in pairs to revise the planned brainstorm activity. Based on what you have learned from the brainstorm trialling activity, revise your brainstorm, making sure that you have phrased your topic in a way that will generate lots of ideas. You can do this activity in pairs, but each one of you should plan an individual brainstorm activity that you will use with your class before the next session.

Follow-up activities

Activity icon.png Agreeing follow up activities. (5 min).

Part A: Practical classroom activities and reflection. Complete an activity template for the brainstorm activity that you planned and revised in this session. Do the activity with your class, and be prepared to reflect on how it went.

Part B: Don’t forget to bring your activity plans again, as well as your recorded reflections. (Use your dictaphone if you have one, or make notes on paper or electronically)

Educator note

Remind participants to do their activities. They may want to review the notes that have been handed out, as well as read the background text available below.

As the facilitator, you should also do a reflection on how this first workshop went - please see facilitator reflection for Unit 1!

Educator note

In the next session, these follow-up activities will be reviewed. If you are using this session on its own, you can have a look at the review of follow-up activities here.


Activity template

The activity template is available on this page for printing: OER4Schools/activity template:


Downloadable version: Activity template.pdf (info)

What is the activity?

 

Grade


Subject


Lesson topic

 

What is the (learning) objective of the activity?

 

Resources used

 

How is the activity carried out? Write out all the steps in detail.

 

 

 

 

 

Here is a photograph of a completed activity template for a lesson on conduction. Note that one template can be used for multiple activities:

Completed activity template.jpeg

Educator note

At the end of each session, we provide an overview of the activities in this session, together with their suggested timings. Although this appears at the end of the session (for technical reasons), you should keep an eye on this throughout the session, to make sure that you are pacing the workshop session appropriately!

Total time: 130 (min)

Activities in this session:

  • Whole class dialogue (30 min): Introduction to the programme.
  • Whole class brainstorm (10 min) on interactive teaching.
  • Same-task group work (5 min): Discussion in pairs about what brainstorming(a) looks like in the classroom.
  • Whole class dialogue (5 min): Reporting back from the discussion.
  • Observing, thinking, reflecting (5 min): Watch video of a brainstorm.
  • Whole class dialogue (15 min): Discussion on the brainstorm video.
  • Observing, thinking, reflecting (5 min): Summary.
  • Whole class dialogue (10 min): Discussion on activity plans.
  • Introduction (10 min) to activity templates.
  • Same-task group work (10 min): Planning in pairs for activity templates.
  • Same-task group work (5 min): Planning in pairs of a brainstorm activity.
  • Whole class brainstorm (5 min) of participant's suggestions.
  • Whole class dialogue (5 min): Discussion of the trialled brainstorm activity.
  • Same-task group work (5 min): Planning in pairs to revise the planned brainstorm activity.
  • Agreeing follow up activities.(5 min).

If you have printed this session for offline use, you may also need to download the following assets:


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