Class #9

Something that was reinforced for me today in class is that students learn by doing. I also learned how important it is for a teacher to take their lessons a step further to allow students the application of critical thinking. Students learn better and remember more by finding the answers to their own questions and wonderings. The activity we did today with the two different maps, old and newer, is something that will stick with me. Being able to give a map to students and give them ample time to look at it, ask questions, write down what they notice, and make sense of it is important. But, going even further than that, giving students a different version of the map whether it is a version of the same place but at a different time period, or a version made by a different person of the same location at the same time period, takes it a step further. This allows students to apply their critical thinking skills and compare and contrast. Students are able to see the maps through different lenses and learn information about one map through the other. It is important for teachers to go the extra mile so that students can infer on their own. Instead of just looking at one map and gleaning information from that one, have students look at two and compare and contrast. Instead of looking at one primary source, have students look at a range of different sources from different perspectives. Allow students the opportunity to extract their own information and revelations. When obtaining their own revelations, this will allow students to feel in charge of their learning and feel proud of what they discovered.