Clicker Question

Firstly I was not able to attend the past class so any help and suggestions for my questions would be great!

The Question:

What is the proper equation for photosynthesis?

a) CO₂ + H₂O + Energy = C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O_2
b) C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂+ Energy = 6CO₂ + 6H₂O
_{c) 4}CO₂ + 6H₂O + Energy = C8H₁₀O₆ + 4O_2
d)6CO₂ + 6H₂O + Energy = C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O<sub>2
e)None of the Above


This was not revised because I was not in class but if there is a more effective way to use this question please let me know. 


Update: After reading the paper by Beatty et al (2006) I had decided to add e) none of the above to trick up the question and ad the oops-go-back design to the question</sub>

Technology use

Is there an effective format of using current technology such as smart phones or iPads that can be interactive within the classroom? such as an app to use rather then clickers? or to instantly text responses to questions? I figure the use of these technologies are already an everyday part of the students life so why not embrace them rather then think of them as a negative technology or distraction.

Class Assignment Reflection

building a unit for a subject was extremely difficult to start. our group had to figure out where our starting point was. The starting point only emerged after we decided what it was that the students had to have previous knowledge of. Since we are talking about education this is a very important starting point but can be difficult to know.

I believe surveys or pretest are the best way to know of prior knowledge and build upon what is known by a student. We can usually assume that a student knows prior concepts to build upon, but assuming can be dangerous and there could be no further learning done.

I think this is why backwards design is an important tool so that the "big picture" is known prior to constructing a unit. However formative assessment is important to incorporate and could be explained to a colleague that real time feedback can be given in order to  adjust teaching strategy and deeper learning can take place.

Practice Interview

My interview went very well, I found I had an issue in the ordering of questions. After rearranging some questioning I found some good points for prompting further understanding, and some sub questions incase I felt the interviewee needed to elaborate further.

I thought that being interviewed for a subject I didn't know very much about (A&P) very difficult, but could see how it was helpful. My partner seemed to know much more about my subject then I did hers. overall a great exercise for practicing and getting a better feel for how the interview may go.

First Draft Interview Questions

The big question; what is known/understood about wildlife management?

1.     What does wildlife management mean to you?

2.     How do you think predatory species play a role in current wildlife populations?

3.     What ecological components do you think need to be addressed when constructing a wildlife management area?

4.     When managing an area inhabited by an endangered species what precautions should be addressed?

5.     Why is population control important?

6.     Do you understand the importance of carrying capacity?

7.     What constitutes a species to be known as endangered?

8.     What is the difference between a protected species and an endangered species?

9.     Can a species be managed improperly? If so what could be negative impacts on the population as a whole?

10. Scenario:  if breeding grounds for a population of migratory birds is over populated what would the consequences be if not managed properly? How would you manage this population in order to combat the over population?

11. Scenario: a breeding pair of bald eagles (protected species) has constructed a nest near a river that is in close proximity to a ranch that has chickens and small farm animals. The rancher is concerned about the eagles predating upon her animals and seeks your professional advice as a wildlife manager. What would you say or explain to the rancher?

12. When given a blank piece of paper the student will construct a small wildlife management area and should show components of basic needs for a species. The basic needs that could be shown would be food, shelter, sustainable habitat, landscape etc. 

What is Learning? (Revisited)

I think after class I found myself more confused about what learning is rather then informed. after reflecting on it for a bit I have decided learning is really an individual action. As individuals we have different life experiences that shape our idea and cognitive ways of learning.

I thought it was interesting how many students cited dictionary definitions of learning in theirs blogs, while others chose to go straight into their own definition of learning. In the reading of "How People Learn" the author spoke about ethnic groups view of learning styles. I believe this was shown in the assignment, maybe not by ethnicity but definitely culturally. The author made an example of African American teachers being more susceptible to students telling a story and relating it to something they had learned in class, and a white teacher viewing the same students as a weak student and vice versa. I think the has shown through the assignment by some students going straight for the dictionary to define learning and then expanding on the idea.

Teaching Philosophy Reflections

I will have to admit even after reading others philosophies I there is still not much I would change about my own. that is not to say over time my philosophy would evolve to something different then I have written originally, but at this point I would not change much.

I think the biggest reasoning for less change as I have reflected is because we teaching philosophies and disciplines are very different. I guess you could say to each his own! As a class we all have different interests and aspirations so it makes sense that teaching philosophies are very different. I think the larger problem would be is if we all had similar philosophies we could then say we are programed like robots rather then individuals.