Let's assess WEBQUEST :)

1.  Does it merely provide data or information?
     No, it provides more than just data and information.

2. What does WebQuest also provide?
     It also provides various resources for students and teachers, ranging  from teaching materials and lesson plans,  to student electronic portfolios! There are  different activities that are created to encourage collaboration of learners and interactive lessons for different grade levels. It even give tips for better researching. Just imagine the list of Specialized Search Engines and Directories that are waiting to be clicked for convenience! I  also like the WebQuest garden, the introductions of the activities really motivate the participants and the tasks  that follow are quite fun and exciting. They focus on the learner to be in charge of the learning process that's why getting him engaged in the different activities is a sine qua non of it. These activities also develop (especially among children) the ability to work with others and be a responsible individual in the community. 

3. Will Webquest suffice in case of local/ domestic problems/ questions such as the definition of "Filipino" among patriots of the 1896 Philippine revolution?
My answer is YES, since WebQuest  has  links of Search Engines and Directories.. so all we have to do is type the keyword (example: FILIPINO+ 1896 Philipine revolution) and viola! It saves time and effort.


4. Where can we get information for local/domestic problems/questions?
 In addition to Webquest, we can also refer to local papers about current events like our  local newspaper (which are also available online!) or go to the library Filipiniana Section and read more! 

INTEGRATING ICT IN EDUCATION - sample lesson plan

Grade IV    

Subject: HEKASI 

Aralin 22

I.Layunin :  Naiuugnay Ang lokasyon sa klima ng bansa.

II. Paksang Aralin

A.      Ang Klima at Temperatura ng Pilipinas,  

Texto: MAKABAYAN SA BAGONG HENERASYON (Pahina 52-53)

B.      Pagsasanib

1.       Filipino - Pagsulat ng talata

2.       ICT – paggamit ng mkabagong teknolohiya sa pananaliksik at pag-aaral

C.      Kagamitan:  Globo, flashlight, computer, overhead projector

     

III. Pamamaraan

A.      Panimulang Gawain

1.       Pagtsek sa takdang Gawain

2.       Pagbabalik-aral

-          Saang digri latitud matatagpuan ang Pilipinas?

-          Sa anong digri longhitud ito matatagpuan?

3.       May kaugnayan ba ang lokasyon sa klima ng bansa?

4.       Gamit ang overhead projector, magpakita ng mga larawan at video clips na nagpapakita ng iba’t ibang klima ng iba’t ibang lugar sa mundo.

  

B.      Bagong Aralin

1.       Ipaturo sa globo ang sakop ng mataas na latitud, mababa at gitnang latitud

o   Anong latitud ang tumatanggap ng diretsong init ng araw?

o   Anong latitud ang tumatanggap ng pahilis at di matinding  sikat ng araw?

o   Anong latitud ang tumatanggap ng pahilis at di gaanong  init ng sikat ng araw?

2.       Anu-ano ang klima sa mataas na latitud?

-          Sa mababang latitud?

-          Sa gitnang latitud?

3.       May kaugnayan ba ang lugar o kinalalagyan ng isang bansa sa uri ng klima at temperatura nito?

4.       Gamit ang globo at flashlight

-Magpahanap ng bansa at ipasabi kung ano ang latitud nito.

- Ano ang klima nito?

 5.  Magpakita ng video clips na naglalahad at nagpapaliwanag kung paano naaapektuhan ang klima ng iba’t ibang bansa ayon sa lokasyon ng mga ito.

 

C.      Pangwakas na Gawain

Hanapin sa globo ang mga sumusunod na bansa at sabihin kung anong latitud at ang karaniwang klima at temperatura nito:

1.       Canada

2.       Tsina

3.       Saudi Arabia

IV. Pagtataya

Piliin ang tamang sagot.

1.       Dahil nasa gitnang latitud ang Estados Unidos, ang klima nito ay __________.

a.       Apat na uri

b.      Dalawang uri

c.       Iisang uri

2.       Sa mga lugar na malapit sa ekwador ay _________.

a.       Palaging malamig

b.      Palaging umuulan

c.       Palaging mainit

3.       Dahil hindi matindi ang sikat ng araw sa Antartika, ang uri ng klima nito ay ______.

a.       Lagi itong balot sa yelo

b.      Matindi ang init dito

c.       Madalas ang ulan dito

4.       Malapit sa mga latitud ng tropiko ng kanser at kaprikornyo ang Iran, Mongolia, Arabia at Chile. Ang klima rito ay _________________.

a.       Parang yelo sa lamig

b.      May mahabang taglamig kaysa tag-init

c.       Tuyo at mainit

V. Takdang Aralin

A.  Isulat sa isang talata kung saan ang lokasyon ng mga sumusunod:

Ilarawan ang klima ng bawat isa.

1.       Siberia

2.       Hapon

3.       Inglatera

B.  Magbigay ng mga pangalan ng 15 na  bansa. Gumawa ng tsart at gamitin sa pagtatala ng lokasyon at klima ng mga ito.

C.  Kung papipiliin ka ng lugar kung saan mo nais manirahan, anong lugar ito at bakit?

D. May mga kakilala ba kayo s

LITERATURE 12

http://www.docstoc.com/docs/136447437/CHILDREN%E2%80%99S-LITERATURE

FISH

http://www.docstoc.com/docs/136451035/FISH

MY REFLECTIONS ON FIELD STUDY 1 - EPISODE 6

       HOME-SCHOOL LINK

This episode focuses on Interdependence and Cooperation. My task includes selecting a learner from the class that i have observed and conduct a home visit, making a description about the family and interview the parents about the rules they implement at home concerning their child’s schooling. I also had a brief interview with the teacher and then reflect on the impact of home-school life to learning.

Parents have  a strong influence on children’s academic motivation and achievement. Parents esteem education; the attitude generated by the parents is transmitted to their children. The parents in the home and the teachers in the school should have a sympathetic understanding of one another’s work. A friendly spirit should be established between parents and teacher. They should work together harmoniously in uplifting the quality education that they desire for their children. Close collaboration and open communication are essential in achieving this goal. Aside from scheduled PTA meetings, regular exchange of feedback on the progress of the child through letters, notes, emails or text messages are other alternatives to maintain close coordination. Problems can be settled with sincere concern and open-mindedness. It is also important to communicate not only when problems arise but also when the child is doing well in class.

I've learned that parenting style affects the behavior of the child. If she experiences love and support at home, when a child knows and feels  that his teacher and parents care enough to be involved in his schooling, this will ignite his self-esteem which is important in motivating him to move further and do his best.

MY REFLECTIONS ON FIELD STUDY 1 - EPISODE 5

       INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES AND THE LEARNING PROCESS

The main focus of this episode is on Sameness in Differences and Unity in Diversity. The scope is Gender and Cultural Diversity in relation with the learner’s interaction. My task was to observe a class on a regular day and take note of characteristics of learners in the class, and then interview the resource teacher about principles and practices he uses in dealing with diversity in the classroom. From here, i was able to describe how the teacher instills among children the values and knowledge on individual differences.

Some pupils may shy away from others because she thinks that she is different. Maybe due to a physical disability, or maybe because she came from a poor family. There are instances where girls refuse to perform activities with boys, and vice versa, to the point that sex rivalry are marked. A smart teacher knows well how to handle such problems by creating social activities to prevent snobbishness and prejudices among the class. Group concept is widely used in the teaching program.

I've learned that regardless of gender, socio-economic, and religious background, ethnicity and other diverse capacities, a good teacher is able to create a social environment where each learner feel that they are treated equally and have as good a chance to learn and achieve as their other classmates. He involves every pupil in the class, and shows no sign of favoritism when giving judgement and making decisions.

MY REFLECTIONS ON FIELD STUDY - EPISODE 4

       LEARNER’S CHARACTERISTICS

  AND LEARNING ACTIVITIES

The focus of this episode is Diversity of Learners -- their different learning abilities relating to their personal background.  My task includes observing learners of different learning abilities but the same grade level.

            I was able to interview two pupils to gather their background information and observe them as they participate in a classroom activity. I also keenly observed the teacher’s approach to  meet their needs . Then I made a narrative report about it.

I have learned that a good teacher can facilitate learning process by first recognizing and respecting individual differences, then using knowledge about the students to design various sets of learning activities and teaching approaches to ensure that all students can attain desired learning goals. She gives more difficult tasks and questions to the bright pupils and guides those who seem to be behind. It seems important to approach the learners , each with their own ability and preference. Success of individual should not be measured by what is viewed as normal, but should be judged based on the potential of each pupil. Differentiation is important so that each child can work at his own level so that they can learn and achieve. They should have the opportunity to progress whatever level they work at.

Personal background also affects a learner’s ability.  An attention seeker student may have many siblings at home, an enthusiastic student may be familiar with the subject because of his parent’s occupation (for example, a pupil who is very good in math may have a math teacher father who tutors him often at home!). Slow learner may have hearing or vision problems. These things are carefully considered by the teacher. 

MY REFLECTIONS ON FIELD STUDY 1 - EPISODE 3

           CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT AND LEARNING

This episode emphasizes  “Inclusivity”.  My task was to observe a class and using a checklist, find out the evident classroom management components,  give description on how the classroom is structured or designed to allow everyone to participate in the learning activities. Then I had to relate the data in my checklist to the learners’ behavior and then write a reflection paper on how classroom management affects learning.

Classroom Management is concerned with structuring classroom life – including all the elements in the classroom as a learning environment. This include the classroom,  pupils, time, lessons, rules and routines, in such a way that effective learning can be possible.

Classroom routines  that I have noted include praying before the class starts. A permanent seating arrangement helps save time during checking of attendance. An orderly way of passing books and collecting quizzes, homeworks  and seatworks can prevent chaos. Rules should be reasonable and acceptable to both teacher and the children. Teacher’s mastery on the subject and proper selection of teaching materials plays a vital role in keeping a good class interaction. It also prevents unnecessary use of time and effort.  Teacher must display excellent behaviors for the pupils to emulate. A punctual teacher motivates student to attend classes on time.

Children are more likely to repeat desired behaviors if they know that these are rewarded by recognition or praise. Effective management helps them internalize discipline and develop self-discipline as they grow – they will learn to behave whether someone in authority is watching or not!

MY REFLECTIONS ON FIELD STUDY I - EPISODE 2

             LEARNER’S CHARACTERISTICS AND NEEDS

This episode’s main focus is on Valuing Diversity of Learners. I was given the task to observe learners from different levels, describe each learner based on my observations and compare them in terms of their interest and needs.

I have chosen to observe three different learners:  Kindergarten, Grade 2 and Grade IV pupils. For a kindergarten pupil, an exciting classroom activity means clapping along and acting out a song. She gets totally stimulated by music and sounds, jumping or running around hyperactively. At age 9, a grade 3 pupil still feels ok running around with peers regardless of gender and doing rough sports. At age 11, a grade 4 pupil somehow feels embarrassed doing those things and gets more concerned with her personal feminity so social dances may become more important than vigorous sports. Why? This is because our needs change as we grow.

I’ve learned that learners’ characteristics and needs vary with age. That’s why teachers carefully plan flexible class activities according to the learner’s characteristics and interest, physical ability and other aspects to meet their needs.

MY REFLECTIONS ON FIELD STUDY 1 - EPISODE 1

SCHOOL AS A LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

This episode focuses on determining an environment that provides social, psychological and physical environment supportive of learning.

My first task was to have a ‘tour’ around Basco Central School (BCS) and look into their available facilities that will support effective learning environment. I knew instantly that BCS is one of the fortunate schools that provide maximum learning and development opportunities to schoolchildren. Teachers and learners feel safe, having the concrete and painted school buildings. The outdoor space within the campus where they conduct flag ceremony is also ideal for class group game/activities. This is where children freely play during recess time. The schoolyard is clean, green and beautiful.

The school library contains abundant learning resources, so neatly arranged. There is an adequate lighting and ventilation. Oh such bliss to sit there and quietly read books or notes! They also have a School Clinic that is well-equipped, a Multimedia Room with computers and other essential “E-learning” paraphernalia, an Industrial Workshop Area where practical skills are nurtured and School Gym for school activities. The School Canteen offers mouth-watering snacks! The Principal’s Office looks very inviting and well organized.

The way that a classroom is arranged communicates very important messages to the children, how the classroom will be utilized, how it is to function as a learning environment. Books and other interesting materials are neatly displayed in such a way that allows children to use them frequently and correctly. Bulletin boards contain children’s works and attractive pictures related to topics of study and in formations about class activities – this will help children perceive that this classroom is a place for learning and fun, and their work is valued because it is displayed to be shared with others.

School life is a personal adventure to each child. A school that is pleasant and provides comfort is a second “home sweet home” where he looks forward going to.