Last class, we discussed the importance of transfer. I always find it surprising when classes during one semester have much in common with each other. For example, in 643 we are learning about creating surveys, transfer, and prior knowledge, and in 623 my group has to create surveys for a bunch of teenagers. Using the knowledge from 643, my group can better create these surveys which will hopefully end up being a more accurate response from the teens, so that my group can gather the most beneficial data for our report.
In terms of transfer, our current classes in SI should be providing us with a lot of transfer, since these are skills that we will need throughout the rest of our professional careers. Most of my classes are providing me with good skills that will be very useful, but here is an example of one class which is not helping me very much: SI 500 is lost on me, because (to use terms from 643) I have no prior knowledge to offer to the class. In addition, the lectures are not introduced on a basic-enough level for me, and so discussions, which may be useful, I cannot follow either. So, overall I cannot transfer any material from 500 to other classes, because I do not understand anything. Sad, I know.
While I cannot speak in 500 discussions because I do not know what is going on, I nevertheless really like the idea of the Socratic Seminars as discussed in our readings this week. Based on what the authors have reported, I think it is great that student participants can collaboratively figure out major themes and ideas from their newfound reading strategies. I also find it interesting that both articles reported that body language is important. The one teacher, Mrs. Metzger, asked her students to observe the body language of those students involved in the inner circle of the discussion. Just as the students must decipher additional meaning in reading with comprehension by paying attention to details such as words that capitalized, so too must students pay equally close attention to their peers while in discussion - this way, a comprehensive understanding and communication is acquired.
So are Socratic Seminars where the book club is heading? "The Book Club Exploded" article also presents a lot of engaging ideas for book clubs today. Just as the Socratic Seminar gets more people bouncing ideas off each other, it sounds like the more books used in a book club, the more ideas and collaboration among discussion members. And the more interactive the book club (with more books, more use of media, and perhaps some guest authors), the more happy members are with the book discussions. And this means people will continue to happily make use of the library. I am a fan.
I agree with your observation that many of the problems we face in other classes are more-or-less related to shortcomings in areas we're learning about in 643 - but I guess, on the bright side, that means it is re-enforcing what we're learning here!
ReplyDeleteI don't know what's going on in 500 either because they don't take prior knowledge into consideration. There's a reason why I'm not going into the other specializations...I have no interest in them and I don't necessarily understand what they're about either. I do think it's good exposure though and I'm hoping that I'll be able to transfer what I'm learning in that class in the future. I just wish they wouldn't assume that we know so much about what other students are learning in their specializations.
ReplyDeleteI feel like that is a common theme among students regarding 500. I took it last year and felt the same way - it was really hard to follow without some prior knowledge and therefore hard to contribute to the class in a positive way.
ReplyDeleteI also thought the part of Metzger's article regarding body language was interesting. Body language does tell you a lot about a person and so watching that as well as listening to what is being said can be quite helpful.