This is an archived course. A more recent version may be available at ocw.mit.edu.

 

Assignments

WEEK # TOPICS ASSIGNMENTS
Ongoing   Current Events

Weblogs
1 Introduction

Class Format and Location

Observations, Paperwork

Final Paper Introduction - Designing a Classroom

Activity - Metaphors for Teaching and Learning (See Pictures and Drawings)
 
Section I - Schools and Classrooms

Images of Schools 
Classroom Environments 
School Issues 
Education Reform 
Charter Schools / Privatization / Homeschooling / Vouchers
2 What Are Schools Like?

What Do We Think Schools Are Like?

Fact and Fictional Video Views of Schools and Classrooms

Initial Discussion of Student Portfolios and Weblogs: See SchoolBlogs, Education Web Logs

Introduction to Current Events
 
3 Name Game

Introduction to Fastplants - Planting

Classroom Environments Jigsaw

Straw Towers Activity
Straw Towers, Classroom Environments and Personal Experiences (PDF)
4 Straw Towers Part II

What Are the Major Problems in Education? Brainstorming

Impact of No Child Left Behind
First Observations - Reactions posted to your Blog

10 min interview with an educator (PDF)
5 Fixing Schools

Fastplants Stage 1 - Questions Hypotheses
 
Section II - Learning and Assessment

Ways of Learning and Types of Learners
Standards and Assessment
6 Physics - Pulleys

What Do We Learn?
How do we learn? (PDF)
7 Introduction to Mini-Lessons

Town Hall Meeting Planning
Classroom Environments (PDF)
8 Town Hall Meeting on Standards and Standardized Tests Student Observation (PDF)
Section III - Teaching

Pedagogies and Practices
9 Mini Lessons

Trip to the Museum of Science

Informal Learning Environments - MOS Visit
Blog - Reflections on Mini-Lessons
10 Trip to the Museum of Science (cont.)

Informal Learning Environments - MOS Visit (cont.)
 
Section IV - Technology in the Classroom

Digital Divide 
Modeling 
Internet
11 Mini-Lesson Debrief

Massive Current Events
Technology Centered Environments (PDF)
12 Participatory Simulations: The Prisoner's Dilemma, Modeling and Simulation, Competing Prisoners Project, StarLogo Information Technology in Education (PDF)
Final Projects
13 Concept Mapping and Teacher Education: Introduction to Concept Mapping, Concept Mapping 11.124 Portfolio and Final Paper (PDF)
Time Allowing   School Choice - Investigating Options for Students

Amanda (PDF)

Sean (PDF)

Vince (PDF)
WEEK # TOPICS ASSIGNMENTS
Ongoing   Current Events

Weblogs
1 Introduction

Class Format and Location

Observations, Paperwork

Final Paper Introduction - Designing a Classroom

Activity - Metaphors for Teaching and Learning (See Pictures and Drawings)
 
Section I - Schools and Classrooms

Images of Schools 
Classroom Environments 
School Issues 
Education Reform 
Charter Schools / Privatization / Homeschooling / Vouchers
2 What Are Schools Like?

What Do We Think Schools Are Like?

Fact and Fictional Video Views of Schools and Classrooms

Initial Discussion of Student Portfolios and Weblogs: See SchoolBlogs, Education Web Logs

Introduction to Current Events
 
3 Name Game

Introduction to Fastplants - Planting

Classroom Environments Jigsaw

Straw Towers Activity
Straw Towers, Classroom Environments and Personal Experiences (PDF)
4 Straw Towers Part II

What Are the Major Problems in Education? Brainstorming

Impact of No Child Left Behind
First Observations - Reactions posted to your Blog

10 min interview with an educator (PDF)
5 Fixing Schools

Fastplants Stage 1 - Questions Hypotheses
 
Section II - Learning and Assessment

Ways of Learning and Types of Learners
Standards and Assessment
6 Physics - Pulleys

What Do We Learn?
How do we learn? (PDF)
7 Introduction to Mini-Lessons

Town Hall Meeting Planning
Classroom Environments (PDF)
8 Town Hall Meeting on Standards and Standardized Tests Student Observation (PDF)
Section III - Teaching

Pedagogies and Practices
9 Mini Lessons

Trip to the Museum of Science

Informal Learning Environments - MOS Visit
Blog - Reflections on Mini-Lessons
10 Trip to the Museum of Science (cont.)

Informal Learning Environments - MOS Visit (cont.)
 
Section IV - Technology in the Classroom

Digital Divide 
Modeling 
Internet
11 Mini-Lesson Debrief

Massive Current Events
Technology Centered Environments (PDF)
12 Participatory Simulations: The Prisoner's Dilemma, Modeling and Simulation, Competing Prisoners Project, StarLogo Information Technology in Education (PDF)
Final Projects
13 Concept Mapping and Teacher Education: Introduction to Concept Mapping, Concept Mapping 11.124 Portfolio and Final Paper (PDF)
Time Allowing   School Choice - Investigating Options for Students

Amanda (PDF)

Sean (PDF)

Vince (PDF)