Competency 5: Creates flexible, effective learning environments that:
- 5.1 Facilitate collaboration
- 5.2 Integrate learning technologies
- 5.3 Cater for individual and group experiences
- 5.4 Are safe, comfortable and stimulating
I would like to highlight two lessons which indicate that I create flexible, effective learning environments. The first lesson is one in which students worked by themselves and in groups to address the Enduring Understanding of a Year 7 unit about Rivers. The second lesson is one in which I recreated the Battle of Hastings.
Lesson 1:
Please view the video below (3:45 minutes). This lesson was filmed as part of a Humanities Department professional development session. The aim of the lesson was to address the UBD (Understanding by Design) Learning Area Overarching Idea: Communities require an informed and cooperative approach in order to assure sustainability, by focussing on one of the guiding questions: ‘To what extent has human interaction with river systems contributed to a change in their wellbeing?’
Click on the link or the image to view a 3:45 minute video of a Year 7 lesson:
Click here for the lesson plan, student materials and student work.
Lesson 2:
Re-enacting the Battle of Hastings
This lesson was originally developed by Ian Dawson on Thinking History: http://www.thinkinghistory.co.uk/ActivityPeriod/ActPeriodNormans.html. This document contains all instructions for the implementation of a fantastic re-enactment and involves all the key players in the Battle of Hastings. I have included Ian Dawson’s document below and have included my reflection, maps, and a powerpoint:
Lesson plan + Powerpoint + Reflection: Role play Eventsof1066 complete
The best learning occurs when it is hands on, active and engaging. This re-enactment is a perfect example of this. I noticed this when students were able to enthusiastically recount the events of 1066 the next lesson. It was also entertaining to discover that the students who had played the various kings and rulers were insisting on being addressed by their rightful royal title for a few days afterwards.