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EDUC 10 Critical Thinking and the Educated Person

Selected ACUE Technique: Checking for Student Understanding

Reflection on Instructional Change:

Based on the module LE6: Checking for Student Understanding, I implemented the technique: Ask questions effectively and student responses to inform instruction. Before the instruction, I planned questions aligned to learning objectives. During instruction, I called on both volunteers and non-volunteers, guided students to clarify or correct their responses, used prompts to expand student thinking. In addition, I used wait-time to increase the quality and quantity of student responses.

Many students were shy answering questions voluntarily. I made it clear to students the purpose of inviting both volunteers and non-volunteers is to use their responses to inform my instruction. I strive to build a safe and supportive learning environment, so students feel comfortable and confident to answer questions and interact with each other. I found out using wait time that allow students formulate an answer and write down their responses is effective. Students appreciated they could pass if they don’t have answers at the moment with encouraging them to come back later to provide answers. I also let students do pair share or small group discussion to make them feel comfortable to speak with a small group of peers, then ask individuals to respond/share ideas.

One of the Implementation Resources, Techniques for Assessing Course-Related Knowledge & Skills influenced changes I made in my instruction. I prepared prompts of different level of thinking skills, for examples, prompt probing background knowledge, checking misconception/preconception, focusing listing, etc. The chart, They Say—You Say helps me plan how to respond to students based on their reply and the goals for responding.

One main takeaway from meeting two colleagues during "Observe and Analyze Session" this semester is, checking for student understanding is beneficial for the instructor to adjust instruction using student responses, as well as beneficial for student to practice their thinking and get immediate feedback so they will be able to contribute to their own and their classmates’ learning.

Evidence of Instructional Change

Discussion: What tactics are being used in the media messages to get readers’ attention?

Discussion: What tactics are being used to get readers’ attention?

Screenshot of discussion thread

Creating an Inclusive and Supportive Learning Environment - 7/7 modules completed

Creating an Inclusive and Supportive Learning Environment - 7/7 modules completed

Practice and Reflect on: Providing Useful Feedback (LE7)

LE5.docx

Course Syllabus

EDUC10_2022.docx

Faculty Bio

I teach undergraduate general education courses and teaching credentials program. I enjoy reading, several of my favorite books are Little princes, Charlotte’s web, To kill a mocking bird, Siddharthe, Harry Potter. I also like hiking and feel fortunate to live in California, such a wonderful place to explore the beauty of nature.

This work was supported by:

National Science Foundation Hispanic Serving Institution Project STEM Zone DUE 1832335

CSU Office of the Chancellor Academic Affairs grant for Faculty Professional Development

US Department of Education Hispanic Serving Institution Project STEM4Equity P031C210012

*Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation or the US Department of Education.

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