Supporting Instruction with Technology

Lesson Plan Title: Civilizations: Leadership

URL: Civilizations: Leadership Lesson Plan

Subject: World History

Grade(s): 9 – 12

Duration: 2 class sessions
Coggle Link: View My Coggle Presentation

Share & Reflect: 

         When properly planned and organized, the use of films in a classroom can be a successful strategy to both convey the course material and keep the students entertained. This is one of the reasons why I chose to use and analyze the “Civilizations: Leadership” lesson plan. Another reason I chose this lesson plan is because it allows for more discussion in groups and as a class than lecturing. As students watch the film, take notes, collaborate in their groups and as a class, and conduct their own research they are challenged to use many skills and techniques that are essential for content mastery and academic growth.

          I feel that the original lesson plan had a few gaps in the teaching strategies and technologies used. The changes I made included: DoNow, vocabulary review, PowerPoint Presentation, Graphic Organizers for the discussions, movie, and essay (homework), and modeling the Think-Aloud strategy for the students. I felt these adjustments were necessary because they would help keep the students on target and would help them formulate their thoughts and opinions during discussion. In the original plan the students are given a list of suggested sites to use for their research. Instead, I made a modification to put the sites on a slide in the PowerPoint so that I (the teacher) could show them a few sites but also how to find some of the better sources online. 

         Personally, if I were to use Coggle in my classroom I would use it to set up a type of interactive syllabus or outline. Essentially it would be a reference point for students and parents to use so that they are aware of what the course will entail and also have a timeframe for the school year. I would also be able to provide the students with some links and reference points that could be of use to the students. Overall, I feel the concept of a Coggle is useful and can help breakdown/organize things very well. I am not sure how my students will feel about the idea if they have never used it before, but to have it as an option would definitely benefit some of the students in class.