This week we are having our 5-Day Kagan Cooperative Learning Workshop. My last year in Marshall, there was a big Kagan initiative, so I had previously attended a 2 day training there. I brought from it quite a few ideas and structures that i felt would work in my classroom. The things that I learned did help engage my students during some activities, but because this was just a 2 day training, I did not receive training on all of the structures and methodology for the program. So, of course, I did not use the entire program.
The first couple of days were refreshers of what I'd learned previously, but were beneficial, because I can actually remember some of the research based information that was shared. I actually listened and remember the difference between cooperative learning and basic group work. Because, I'm attending the full 5-day training, I'll actually get to see all of the structures in action and can maybe take more away to use within my classroom. From this training I believe that I will be able to take away a few more tools for my toolbox. I'm just glad I had the opportunity to attend the full training, because two days gives you a jaded view of everything, and basically touched only the tip of the iceberg.
In our Reading in the Content Area class on Tuesday, Dr. Sargent allowed us to participate in an activity that modeled some of the same components of a strategy that was mentioned today in the workshop. It's interesting to me that now that I am in this program, I listen more intently to the explanations of how and why the activities or resources being introduced at workshops are beneficial to my students. When presented with evidence of research, whether or not I understand it all, I pay attention, because not everything works for my students and I must determine if the practices being introduced were tested and are proven to work.
The first couple of days were refreshers of what I'd learned previously, but were beneficial, because I can actually remember some of the research based information that was shared. I actually listened and remember the difference between cooperative learning and basic group work. Because, I'm attending the full 5-day training, I'll actually get to see all of the structures in action and can maybe take more away to use within my classroom. From this training I believe that I will be able to take away a few more tools for my toolbox. I'm just glad I had the opportunity to attend the full training, because two days gives you a jaded view of everything, and basically touched only the tip of the iceberg.
In our Reading in the Content Area class on Tuesday, Dr. Sargent allowed us to participate in an activity that modeled some of the same components of a strategy that was mentioned today in the workshop. It's interesting to me that now that I am in this program, I listen more intently to the explanations of how and why the activities or resources being introduced at workshops are beneficial to my students. When presented with evidence of research, whether or not I understand it all, I pay attention, because not everything works for my students and I must determine if the practices being introduced were tested and are proven to work.