Peer+Critiques

=Peer Review -- Kevin L=

Flashcards (Quizlet)
After reviewing both sets of flashcards on Quizlet, I can see how these will be useful and fun for your 2nd graders. The benefits of Quizlet is that the cards are already prepared for testing and multiple forms of review. In both sets, the flash cards are descriptive and the images are clear. The definitions are appropriate for the terms. The set of adjective flashcards were perfect for Quizlet and I imagine the number of flash cards and terms appropriate for that age group. In the Life Cycle of a Butterfly set, the process is clearly described and I learned that Chysalis is not a car manufacturer, nor is a pupa baby-talk for violet. In the adjective set, I was able to select the big butterfly and the fat catepillar. Mmm... delicious. In relation to the lesson objectives, the quizlet works well as a practice tool, and paired with the voice thread, is also a creative evaulation method (qualitatively and quantitatively).

Life Cycle PowerPoint
The ppt is short but concise, and covers the topics and basic vocabulary with the appropriate image accompaniment. Though the video didn't work for me, I imagine it compliments the vocabulary and images accordingly.

CALLT wiki
The CALLT wiki is attractive and and has a clean layout, The pages are easy to navigate and the navigation bar organizes the pages and assignments. The navigation tab also includes this handy peer review page, set to allow other peers to edit.

Day 1 Lesson Plan
Rationale: Context: butterfly cycle, relevance: it's like ours, background knowledge: Ss have had a previous lesson (this one). The class demographics and age are listed. Objectives: performance indicators include listening, viewing, and reading. The criterion for assessment includes quizzes and oral responses. The condition for learning seems to be the context which is the story Monarch Butterfly. Materials: materials are listed appropriately. Curriculum: functions, structures, skills and vocabulary are accounted for. Lists what is expected of the student clearly and in detail. Procedure: The introduction and motivation section is clear, though I think the story might be considered a motivational factor. The lesson itself is incredibly well-elaborated, starting with the projected powerpoint, moving through the voicethread introduction, then the flashcards, games and finally the assessment activity consisting of organizing pictures. The lesson closure is the book. Presenting the book at the end is logical and fitting, though I probably would have read it first (admittedly, not as logical). They close with coloring and reflection. All in all this is a pretty immaculate lesson. Evaluation: This consists of informal and formal evaluation. The teacher uses observation as well as worksheets

Day 2 Lesson Plan
The lesson plan format is clear and follows the guidelines set for the course. The lesson is for 2nd grade ELL learners, all of whom are Hispanic and are at SLA stage 3. The rationale is clear and appropriate. The objectives are well organized and use clear indicators for performance and assessment. The one thing I might add would be what preparation students will need to use Voicethread. I don't teach learners as young as this, but I feel that the objectives fit what the rationale is seeking to achieve. I'm quite surprised that this much material can be covered in such a short period of time. The learning to be acquired is listed under curriculum, and is very clear as to what the students should know by the time the lesson is completed. The lesson procedure is a step by step guide and covers very specifically how the lesson will be conveyed. This is quite different from my lessons, which are far more spontaneous. The lesson is perfect for preparing substitute teachers as it clearly guides them around every turn. The closure of the lesson is where the technology comes to the fore as the students are now given the opportunity to work with the quizlet flashcards and the Voicethread application. I can see the students looking forward to this part of the class. Actually, I can see students looking forward to most of the lesson, it's fun, hands-on (very tactile), personally and technologically engaging.