Why are we doing this? @DanielPink #TLDSBleads #edchat pic.twitter.com/3ihIPc4vFb
— David Sornberger (@davidsornberger) January 30, 2015
Gr 6 students are applying their learning from the Science curriculum about the human impact on biodiversity.
On Friday, after analyzing a French text about pesticides and its impact on plants, animals and humans, students were able to apply the French and science context to a relevant experience about the use of salt in the winter. The students thinking was provoked by watching Road Salt and its impact on the environment. Today we also looked at the news on how the National Capital Commission report will not be replacing the diseased ash trees until 2018 .
The students also analyzed this video in French and made connections to the parks in their neighbourhoods and the Beaver Pond near the school.
Students curiosity lead them to the City of Ottawa bilingual site to further learn about the disease and its treatment.
The tweet had me reflect on the importance of making learning relevant and how learning is important to the students. How can learning become relevant enabling students to think differently?
I think this is critical. We often expect our students to be "global" learners when realistically it can be difficult for many to think that far outside of their own immediate communities. Personally, I try to start locally (your students chose the Beaver Pond...fabulous!) and usually notice that a chain effect occurs. Eventually connections are made that cause an almost chain reaction, thus leading to a global level. Thanks for reminding me to challenge my students, "why are we doing this".
ReplyDeleteThanks Jennifer for taking the time to read and comment.For sure the chain reaction of connections locally and globally, the tweet tonight made me think how important to have students reflects on why are we learning this? How this learning will change my thinking?
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