Stage 1 Desired Results
My intent with this unit was to teach the Constitution with a better idea of the end goals. This particular submission identifies desired results by outlining the goals, essential questions, and desired understandings. I basically used an existing set of lessons and unit, but expanded the lessons to include elements of math and science. I feel pretty good about the goals for the unit. I do think the essential questions could use a little more fine-tuning. I have a good idea bout what I want my students to know and understand, but I don't know if my questions are clear and challenging enough to help them reach that understanding.
Stage 2 Acceptable Evidence
I am pretty comfortable with the assessments associated with this unit. I like the variety of assessments, ranging from a story, to timelines, to a presentation, to a quiz. I think there is a good balance of formative assessments and summative assessments. The focus is on application of constitutional principles and how the document is a living document. I do think some fine tuning of being more specific would be helpful, so I would like to revise these after the lessons have been given.
Stage 3 Learning Experiences
I already know that there needs to be more lessons. The breadth of this unit requires more learning experiences to be as encompassing as the stated goals are outlined. The starter questions act as a helpful formative assessment and review of previous material. I think adding a weekly Nearpod or Kahoot quiz will also help. I also think some of the lesson plans need some greater detail in explaining exactly what will be happening or needing to challenge my students a bit more.
GRASPS
I think this is a worksheet that I will come back to often, as it provides different ideas on how to create a lesson and design an assessment. There are many ways to create a task, and I feel this format helps to focus the task. I also feel this framework is fluid and adaptable to so many of the things that I do in my classroom, while also giving me some fresh ideas and approaches to teaching my subject material. The other thing that I liked about GRASPS is how quick it can be completed. The lesson plan design is great, but requires some more time. When I don't have time to map out all of the details, I think having a broad design with specific goals will still be effective.
Lesson Plans
As I said before, the designing of lesson plans is time consuming, and it is really not something I have fully designed since taking classes to get my teaching license. At the same time, it is useful to go through the process occasionally, refocusing on the process to make sure that lessons are effective. And while designing each lesson takes time, it also was more of completing steps instead of coming up with new ideas. The heavy thinking part of the entire process was taken care of with earlier stages. The entire process did validate that once the desired results and acceptable evidences are identified, and learning experiences are designed, the lesson plans flow naturally. While they are an integral part of the learning process, they also are a bit of an afterthought compared to the heavy lifting that takes place earlier in the process.