GMMA+-+Tired

Goals Brain based research and common sense tells us clear learning goals are essential for student learning. A good learning goal should have a set learning objective but provide several pathways to demonstrate understanding. “Goals that are too highly specified limit the possible strategies for reaching them, thus limiting the number of people who can even attempt to attain the goal”. Goals with specific means require more teacher support and scaffolding for student success. (nonexample) If you assign a 3 page writing project about the Constitution, the teacher must assure all students have a deep understanding of the Constitution, access to a word processor and grammar and mechanics support. (example) A better goal would be to allow students to create a play, power point or Prezi presentation or video to demonstrate understanding of the Constitution.

Materials

Incorporating a variety of materials into your classroom lessons will provide the best chance for reaching the needs of diverse learners.

Example: Construct a model with clay, perform public service announcement, design a power point, write an essay Non example: written essay with paper and pencil

Methods
Teachers should design lesson with a variety of methods so that each student has the opportunity to learn the information successfully in the method that is best for them. When the learning context, presentation format and instructional formats vary it eliminates barriers that prevent student understanding and achievement. Some common ways to achieve varied methods are: providing multiple examples, highlighting critical features, providing multiple media and formats, supporting background knowledge, providing flexible models of skilled performance, providing opportunities to practice with supports, providing ongoing, relevant feedback, offering flexible opportunities for demonstrative skill. **Example**: Use multiple examples when describing a new concept. For instance, if teaching a particular type of architecture, provide pictures of several different buildings and highlight the critical features in each picture and also a written description of each feature. **Non-Example**: Defining a new style of architecture and only provide one example with descriptions of each feature.

In order to accurately assess your students understanding of the content, educators must first determine the goal of the assessment. Providing students with multiple options to express their understanding of the content will increase the students opportunity to be successful.
 * Assessments**

Example: Create a Healthy Restaurant Menu, Design a Weekly Diet Plan, Build a 3D Food Pyramid, Make a PowerPoint, Act out a skit about preparing a meal. Non Example: Multiple Choice Test, Caloric Calculations

Kevin Sean Laura Colleen