Higher-Order Learning with Think Sheets: Ch. 5

Reflecting on What I Know: Ch. 5

1. How can I get my students to ask questions about the research they are conducting?

One way to to get a student to ask questions is by using Think Sheets. The main goal of a Think Sheet is to help the learner understand the content that he/she is learning by using appropriate inquiry skills (Morrison-Lowther, 127). The NTeQ model uses Think sheets to help students set goals, generate new ideas and understanding, focus their attention, and monitor their progress (Morrison-Lowther, 126). There are three types of Think Sheets, planning Think Sheets, performance Think Sheets, and the self-reflection Think Sheets. An example of a planning Think Sheet is a KWL chart. This chart can be completed by a group of students, by individual students or by the whole class. Think Sheets should only be created when you anticipate that a student needs guidance or help (Morrison-Lowther, 142).
                                                         

2. How can I teach my students to solve problems?

In addition to creating Think Sheets, there is a problem-solving process which is aligned with Bloom's Taxonomy. The NTeQ problem-solving process is as follows: 

• Define the problem
• Identify what is known about the problem
• Identify what needs to be known to solve the problem
• Identify data that needs to be collected to solve the problem
• Determine how the data needs to be manipulated to solve the problem
• Generate possible solutions
• Determine how to evaluate each solution
• Select the best solution
• Present findings

 The process allows the teacher and the student to modify as they gain experience. Students are encouraged to be involved in each step because this is adapted to each problem. When students apply the NTeQ process, they are engaged more and hold a higher-order of thinking (Morrison-Lowther, 133-135).

3. I've never used an inquiry-based approach, much less computers- so how is a teacher supposed to do both of these at one time?

As with any lesson, a teacher should be prepared and knowledgeable of his/her material. The NTeQ model is a good way to start designing a lesson plan. It uses the inquiry-based approach and allows the teacher to analyze the lesson plan and determine what materials and tools are needed and best suits the lesson. By using a previous lesson plan and modifying it to fit the current material, it reduces the adjustment time and allows the teacher to focus on the lesson at hand. Teachers should be models for the students but there are times that the teacher will learn right along with the students. This allows the teacher and student to ask questions, gather information and solve the problem together.

References:

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Morrison, G., & Lowther, D. (2010). Integrating computer technology into the classroom, Skills for the 21st Century (Fourth Edition). Boston, MA: Pearson Education.