Recall

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Home : 2004 : January : 18

Recall
By Debbie

Hi again,
I guess I have a problem asking kids to memorize things that they could easily look up somewhere...Wouldn't it be more beneficial to ask them to do something with the literal information? After they've transfered
the information to index cards, perhaps use them to create something-ask for a semantic features grid where they use their notes to plug into various student / teacher created categories, then ask them to write about similarities and differences in two eras they've just studied. This is asking for higher levels of understanding...you would still give points for completing the grid,

and create a rubric for those who went beyond the literal level and truly could apply the information. We live in a technological society, there is SO much information available free on the internet, etc. children should be asked to apply the information in meaningful ways. As teachers, there is no way we will be able to cover even a minimum of the information they will need to be successful, classroom time would be better spent teaching them how to access information and apply this through collaborative and responsible choices regarding their learning...
Best of luck! ;-D