Performance Objectives

While the rest of the class is sipping pina coladas and enjoying an extended spring break, I have decided to go ahead and press on with the systematic design process. It would seem at this juncture that it would be beneficial to do a learner and context analysis. My students, however, are in luck because rather than analyze them directly, I simply need to gather some information that is readily available in the educational context. Furthermore, the context, being that of the classroom, is fairly uniform and also does not need a great deal of analysis.

What does need to be analyzed, however, is the context in which the instruction will actually be used. What is the environment outside of the classroom? Will my students be able to actually apply their newly learned skills in this context?

I plan to follow the model of text and create a physical report of the analysis...gather my eggs for inspection, if you will. And see if, perhaps, more analysis needs to be done than I realize...

Systematic design process

Beginning the systematic design process has been an awkward experience. It would rightly be compared to trying out roller-blades for the first time or maybe using chopsticks. It's do-able, but I need a lot more practice to become proficient. However, while learning systematic design, I immediately see the value in it and have begun applying the process to the required science objectives.

The first step of a front end analysis is particularly confusing in the classroom situation as a teacher's goals are already spelled out by the state. However, I do see that there is room for analysis on other things that are related to the state objectives. That is precisely why I went out on a limb and chose the problem of the application of science knowledge and skills in daily problem solving. I know it won't be easy to complete, analyze, assess or even come out with high quality results, but hopefully it will produce something of value even outside of the course.

Additionally, since my students are from a predominantly low socioeconomic demographic it is particularly important for them to be able to apply problem solving skills. It is important, because they may not necessarily have the resources to hire or pay someone to solve particular problems for them. Thus, science and the associated problem solving skills will enable a higher quality life for my students, outside of the institution.

Welcome

Hello,

This is a blog primarily to satisfy the requirements of the course I'm taking, but also to experiment with blogging and of course...to get my opinion out there. In this grand experiment I will be sharing my experiences in the process of systematic design and whatever else happens to be of interest in the field of education.