I chose this lesson because I found the assignment
to be a creative way to for students to demonstrate their understanding of a
selected scene from Shakespeare’s Twelfth
Night. Reading Shakespeare’s works can be intimidating for students because
of Shakespeare’s style of writing. Through acting and the use of technology,
students will create a silent movie of their interpretation of a scene, paying
close attention to the characters, setting, events, etc. This is an alternative
way to assessing students’ understanding, without intimidating them with a
written test or essay.
I
found the teaching strategies to be effective because students are able to collaborate
on an assignment that is modeled by the teacher through demonstration and
discussion. Since the assignment is estimated to take three 45 minute class
sessions, this provides the students with adequate time to communicate with
each other and with the teacher for further instruction and clarification.
However, I believe it is important to allow students to use technologies such
as cameras, laptops, iPads, and cell phones, instead of limiting them to only computers.
Using everyday technology devices will allow students to realize that the
outside world is not discrete from the classroom. They can easily carry these
electronics and use them at home and in class.
The
lesson plan did not directly mention which CCSS it fulfills; however, the
expectations the teacher has for her students could be expanded. The teacher
expects the students to enhance creative storytelling skills in verbal,
non-verbal and written forms. As a teacher, I would want my students to be able
to analyze the effect and purpose of Shakespeare’s selections in the
development of elements, such as the settings and characters. Through the use
of captions, props, facial expressions, and gestures, I expect my students to
portray their interpretation of their scene.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccc?key=0AuLxF_m7FTwwdEsxNE5LU0Z6VzVhMXF4dmtUZmtQaUE&usp=sharing
Shakespeare can be VERY daunting for most students! I definitely agree that this lesson plan was helpful and included different forms of technologies, so that the students could get a better understanding of a seemingly difficult task.
ReplyDeleteHi, Michelle.
ReplyDeleteI agree completely with the above statement. Shakespeare can be a very difficult read for those that may not have the best teacher for it, or if the material is not taught in the proper way. This idea of filming scenes from the play is an interesting one, as it can help bring the story to life for the students. It can be a very effective way of helping the students understand the writing of a man like Shakespeare, and can help open his writing up to those that may never have otherwise considered looking at his writings.
Michelle, you've done an excellent job of explaining and offering a rationale for the selection and modification of this lesson plan. Really. One of the best in the class. Also, your spreadsheet represents another solid effort. The only question I have pertains to your spreadsheet: If I read the row from right to left (technology + strategy = achievement of curriculum standard), then why do the last couple of rows lack curriculum standards? Perhaps you weren't thinking of visually outlining it this way. If so, then I'm encouraging you to move in that direction for the final project in the course.
ReplyDeleteMichelle,
ReplyDeleteAwesome post! I like how you removed and replaced certain technologies. I think the changes you made will benefit this lesson tremendously. Like everyone else said Shakespeare is often very challenging for most students. You seem to understand and want to help students who are in this position. I also like how you showed the alignment with the common core even though it did not directly say how it aligned.
Michelle,
ReplyDeleteI agree with the above comments, your spreadsheet and rationale are really great! Students have to learn Shakespeare, even if they hate it, so we have to make it as interesting as possible so they do not zone out and end up hating it.