Week 11 The FINAL Blog

'Final Reflection on the value and use of blogs in the senior Biology classroom.'

Okay so first things first.  This whole experience has allowed me to say what i feel and understand, it has also given us the chance to compare notes and create great conversation.  
Although initially i was quite confused as to the whole experience  i have now been able to see how the benefits far out weigh the negatives.  

I found that sharing ideas through the virtual world of blogging allows for us to always to refer back to it whenever we need to.  It also helps us open up our mind and not be afraid of what someone may think about our thoughts.  The other great thing was to see where some students (Sylvie's in particular) mind set was at.  

I have been able to discover a side of myself knowing that there will always be a new way to teach things, an inventive way of keeping students engaged and active, but the most important thing is discovering ways to enhance the students learning which is a beneficial factor for them and myself as a teacher.  

I feel that within a senior biology classroom, the use of blogs will help keep track of students learning and understanding of content.  We as teachers could use it as an effective tool to assist those who do not feel confident to ask particular questions within class, or even show off their knowledge.  This will become so effective just as it has done so within our own class.  
As a class group we have come together through these blogs and developed friendships which we will carry through for many years to come.

If this effective class teaching tool was half as effective as it was within our classrooms, i believe that the benefits of it will encourage students within their senior years at high school.

Thank you everyone for your comments and words of encouragement it has been a ball, and i feel that i have learnt so much through this activity, and i will continue to use this for years to come.

Week 10 8.2 A Local Ecosystem

'Develop a question, sample answer and a marking guideline for an exam style question that is related to your slowmation. (original question) 

When it comes time to write up question for students we must keep in mind who we are teaching.
This is essential because we must allow for a range of 'Bloom' questions to test the knowledge of a range of students abilities.  
Thus for example both my slowmation and this weeks assigned module is A Local Ecosystem.
My Question would state the following.

Evaluate the need for decomposers within an ecosystem in reference to gas exchange and nutrients.  (4 marks)

To evaluate states to : Make a judgement based on criteria; determine the value of.

Therefore 

Sample answer should state the following: Decomposers are essential for an ecosystem.  They are responsible for the break down of organic matter through biochemical reactions.  This causes the release of nutrient back into the ecosystem which are taken up by other organisms. The cycle of decomposition also allows for the circulation of gases within our atmosphere.  Carbon and nitrogen are found within all organic matter and it is the decomposers which use the carbon and nitrogen to undergo these biochemical reactions.  
Therefore without decomposers within our ecosystem, no reactions for gas exchange will occur or essential nutrients will not be created for the survival of many plants and animals which will make it difficult for any organisms to survive.  

1 mark to identify the process of decomposers
2 marks to discuss the process of decomposers
3 marks to discuss process and make a judgement
4 marks to evaluate the process making a connection between the decomposers within an ecosystem and due to their understanding make a judgment on the importance of them.

This will allow for many students to obtain marks depending on their ability to answer the VERB in question.