Week 8

Assignment #1：

When reading the paragraph, I was trying to relate my previous experience with what is narrated. First of all, according to the paragraph, it must be a kind of bird (have wings) which lives near the water (maybe somewhere around the rain forest). Secondly, as a good escaper, it must have protective skin color that is close to the swamp. Thirdly, it must be equipped with fast speed to escape enemies. Last but not least, it has claws on the wings which are an obvious symbol of its appearance.

After google “Hoatzin”, I found its pretty close to my imagination expect its body size. I thought it must be quite small because of flexibility. And I haven’t think about the feather on its head. Moreover, its color is also beyond my expectation. it is quite colorful compared to the forest.

Assignment #2:

Schema theory is raised by Piaget which means building up framework gradually with previous experience and adding new knowledge. It is quite useful for students’ ability of comprehension. Just like the first assignment, I don’t know what a “hoatzin” is, so I would always link the description with my previous knowledge. It works somehow, even if it is wrong, I can still make adjustment with my existed schema. Situation model theory is a kind like create a concrete representative (model) of something abstract. It’s better helping students understand and comprehend. It is always direct to use graphic such as charts, maps and frames to illustrate complicated stuff.

In teaching comprehension, teachers should always be aware of what do students understand and do not, then use proper strategy to resolve problems of them. Teachers should also encourage students clarify their purpose before reading and check what they have learnt after reading. In addition, students should also be encouraged to raise questions during reading. We are not supposed to believe everything we saw; we need critical thinking for better comprehension. Moreover, retelling is also an essential part of comprehension. It requires highly understanding and logic to demonstrate what you have comprehended.

Assignment #3:

Mr. Thompson emphasizes a lot on multiple characters which is a big challenge for teachers but also good to build up a great environment for sharing ideas. He believes that working together will always make things happen. In his evaluation, preparation and participation are very important elements. He makes students do literature logs and response logs before meeting which helps students gain their own thoughts of a certain text. In the class meeting, students are asked to retell the stories, make connections and discuss reader thoughts. Students are able to share opinions and take in others’ thoughts. After that, Mr. Thompson will also poses questions and helps them expand their answers which leads to further comprehension of the text. He is always standing at a reader’s position so that he can be involved naturally into the group discussion. At the same time, he will be an evaluator as well. In order to understand the text better, he will ask students to make prediction which is also a good way for comprehension. At the end of the class, positive feedback would be given to stimulate students’ motivation.

Mr. Hoonan will ask students to make demonstration in front of the class which requires highly understanding of the text. He believes that students demonstrations really gives their feedback. He also encourages group discussion, when doing discussion he will incorporate new approaches such as drawing on a piece of paper. In the groups discussion, Mr. Hoonan uses student-direct method and with he himself observing aside. He will still control the direction and throw out some suggestion when necessary. Mr. Hoonan is doing pretty well with his role in a student discussion.