From lessons to topics
A common topic for discussion in our meetings with mentor teachers is the concept of an ICT challenge as a topic based series of activities over several weeks, rather than the more common format - a series of separate lessons, covered one period at a time. Science text books are written in this way - they are very closely tied to curriculum documents, encouraging teachers to move in a step by step fashion through a series of disparate lessons under a common broad theme.
When planning an ICT challenge that involves students setting questions, searching for and collecting information, and working collaboratively to present their findings, it is clear that weeks rather than a one hour lesson will be required. This can be challenge for teachers in itself, given the large class sizes and the fact that students are used to a step by step approach. Part of the solution is to encourage teachers to take the larger concepts of the curriculum, and plan to them.
This is a critical aspect of the KPEC PD programme and one that will be unfolding in teachers’ reflective blogs over the next few weeks.
Jenny and Zalila planning