Quick-thinks: The Interactive

LectureKathy Schultz and Holly Hood

NCTEACH - Spring 2011

Wanted to improve student engagement Wanted to improve learning retention Recognize diversity of learning styles in

classroom Needed something that did not require a lot

of prep time and did not require a lot of class time to perform

Can be applied in classrooms with many students

Can be applied at all learning levels and many disciplines

Introduction and Background

Ruhl, Hughes, and Schloss study (1987) Pause every 12 – 18 minutes Discuss or rework notes (without interaction

with teacher) Performed better on free-recall and

comprehension test Raised performance 1 to 2 letter grades

Background

In TheoryPiaget – assimilation and accommodationVygotsky, Perry, Belenkey - Engage in

“intellectually meaningful tasks of appropriate difficulty”

In PracticeNote-taking falls off after 10-20 minutes.In large classes:

lecturing (88%), silence (6%), student talk (5%)

Retention:45% after 3-4 days, 24% after 8 weeks

Background

The Learning Pyramid

A set of active-learning strategies that:

Can be planned quickly

Can be implemented in short spans

Engage the students at frequent intervals

Give students a chance to assimilate info Apply to a wide range of disciplines, learning

styles, and learner abilities.

Quick-Thinks

Preparation

Consider the “big idea” for lesson

Match this idea with quick think task

Explain learning strategy to students

Participation options: peer discussion, individual

response

Teacher feedback!

What is it?Similar to traditional multiple-choice test item.Presents a question or scenario and several

alternativesCan be recall of information or applications

Science – Biology (Anatomy) The pancreas secretes:(a) ACTH (b) insulin (c) pepsin

Math – Trigonometrytan θ can be expressed as:(a) (b) (c)

Select the Best Response

What is it?Statement presented that contains intentional errorStudents must correct the mistakeCan be recall of information or applications

Science- Earth Science (Geology) Correct the error: Rhyolite is a sedimentary rock

Math – Algebra I (Application Problems)Correct the error: If the length of a field is twice the

width, then width = 2 ∙ length

Correct the Error

What is it?Sentence stem is presented that needs completion.Can be rote memory or deeper reflection.

Science-Chemistry If I increase the pressure of gas in a container, the

volume will …………

Math – Middle School Math (Algebraic Properties)Complete the sentence “The Subtraction Property of Equality states…” – OR – Complete the sentence “The Subtraction Property of Equality is used to …”

Complete a Sentence Starter

What is it?Two important parallel elements are presentedStudents must provide similarities or differencesCan be analysis of elements presented

Science-Biology Compare the taiga biome to tundra biome

Math – Geometry (Basic Shapes)State both the similarities and differences between a rectangle and a rhombus.

Compare or Contrast

What is it?A statement regarding current topic is presented.Students must provide support for the statement.Can be recall or evaluation.

Science – Earth Science “The present is key to the past”. Explain this quote.

Math – Middle School Math (Numbers)All integers are real numbers. Provide support for this statement.

Support a Statement

What is it?Instructions to draw a conclusion from facts,

concepts, or principles learned is presentedStudents must make a logical inferenceCan be analysis or evaluation.

Science – Physics Why doesn’t the pressure of the atmosphere

break windows?

Math – Algebra IIWhen you graph a quadratic equation, it doesn’t

cross the x-axis. What do you conclude?

Reach a Conclusion

What is it?Ideas or concepts from lesson are presented with a request to

paraphrase for a novice, peer, or parent.Students must rephrase the idea into their own words.Can be comprehension

Science – Weather(Physics)You’re sitting outside on a warm day when you notice your cold Pepsi can has drops of water forming on it. What gives?

Math – Statistics (Probability)Your brother is playing Yahtzee and hasn’t seen a 2 this entire game. He knows he’ll see a 2 on his next roll because the “law of averages” is in his favor. Explain to you brother why the “law of averages” is a myth.

Paraphrase the Idea

What is it?A series of steps in mixed order are presentedStudents must re-order the steps into the correct sequenceCan be recall or anticipatory

Science – Scientific Methodology List the steps to setting up a scientific investigation

Math – Algebra II (Factoring)◦ Teach “Completing the Square”◦ Have students do puzzle to put steps (and example) in

correct order.◦ Details later in the presentation.

Reorder the Steps

High School Math - Algebra II (Factoring)

Teach students how to “Complete the Square”

Walk through two examples with the class.

Divide students into “teams” of 2 or 3.

Detailed Example – Re-order the Steps

Provide puzzle of steps, and have students put the steps (with example) into the correct order.

Differentiate by giving the example completed in correct order, and have student order the steps – or vice versa.

Teacher walks through class offering coaching and encouragement where needed.

Detailed Example – Re-order the Steps

Factor by Completing the Square Procedure: Example:

Factor by Completing the Square Procedure:Put equation into standard

form (0 = ax2 + bx + c)

Take care of the “c” – Subtract the constant from both sides of the equation.

Take care of the “a” – Divide all terms in the equation by “a”.

Take care of the “b” – Divide the current coefficient of x by 2, square it, and add it to both sides of the equation.

Factor the equation.

Solve for x.

Example:

Rubric◦ 3 – Both process steps and example steps are in

the correct order; side-by-side

◦ 2 – Process steps are in correct order, but example has one or two steps incorrect – or vice versa.

◦ 1 – Group effort has been made toward correctly ordering steps, including asking teacher for guidance in the activity. Process steps and example steps are started correctly.

◦ 0 – No effort has been made to order process steps or example steps correctly

Detailed Example – Re-order the Steps

21st century learner:◦ Mastery of core subjects◦ Learning and innovation skills◦ Life and career skills

Rubric for Evaluating North Carolina Teachers◦ Teachers demonstrate leadership◦ Teachers establish a respectful environment for a

diverse population of students◦ Teachers know the content they teach◦ Teachers facilitate learning for their students◦ Teachers reflect on their practice

Added Value