Problem Solving Approach...Jumping Back In!

 This week for AEE 412 lab I was able to jump back into the teacher role after being away last week and highlight the International Agriculture Unit that I have written. This week's task was to teach a Problem Solving Approach Lesson using one of the 4 strategies. These include Fork in the Road, Factors Possibilities, Effect Cause, and Situation to be Improved. 


We had some technical difficulties at first in lab and what was supposed to be orange in my slides was purple...oops! Despite these technology hurdles, we powered through! I was able to introduce a scenario where students were tasked with stepping into the shoes of a Smallholder farmer in Eastern Africa and make decisions about what crops to continue growing. My students (#psuaged23) worked hard to come up with 2 possible solutions, a list of 4 factors that affect both solutions, and facts relating to each solution's factors. I was very impressed with their creativity and International Agriculture knowledge, and I cannot wait to see how this lesson plays out in the classroom. 

Worksheet I used for this Lab


After reflecting, I can conclude that I want to add more enthusiasm into my lesson and have student close their eyes and step into the role of a smallholder farmer. I want to read the scenario with lots of excitement instead of worrying so much about getting down to business. This relates to what I know about teaching and learning because it is important that we use the five characteristics of effective teaching by Rosenshine and Furst. These are BECOV, standing for Business-like behavior, Enthusiasm, Clarity, Opportunity to Learn, and Variability. I think that my lesson showed variability because of the many different ways students were able to work during the lesson. We discussed portions of the solutions together as class, students got the chance to work on their own, as partners, and finally as bigger groups. I am thankful for the chance to stretch myself and teach in new ways (like the problem solving approach) during lab.


I can apply what I learned this week in my future classroom by always being willing to adapt my plan, and improve it for next time! 

Here's to Part of the Whole Tree, 

Ms Holtry





Comments

  1. Killiann GeorgeOctober 15, 2022 at 2:52 PM

    Liz, this is a really cool lesson idea! I love that you are taking your students global with their thinking. A really thought provoking lesson for sure!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Morgan BearOctober 15, 2022 at 6:15 PM

    Liz, I think you really showed off your teaching skills this week in lab! You pushed yourself to go without your lesson plan by your side and you did awesome!! You should be proud! Also, I loved the global learning experience that this gives your students, I think it will be a true hit in the classroom.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousOctober 16, 2022 at 8:29 AM

    Liz, while I wasn't in your lab section, I would have loved to be! This lesson looked like lots of fun! I may have to get you to help me with my INTAG unit! ;) Great job! -Carly Rudy

    ReplyDelete
  4. Anna SweetenOctober 16, 2022 at 9:03 AM

    Liz,
    Your lab was so interesting this week! I love that you are introducing something to your students that before this unit they might have never given much thought too. Great job!

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousOctober 18, 2022 at 12:10 PM

    Liz,
    I really enjoyed this lesson! I love how you set it up exactly how a fork in the road is designed, because it was very clear what problem-solving approach you were using and it was also engaging and straight forward. I can see loads of improvement in your teaching! Keep up the great work bud!

    ReplyDelete

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