2.4 Higher Order Thinking Skills
Candidates model and facilitate the effective use of digital tools and resources to support and enhance higher order thinking skills (e.g., analyze, evaluate, and create); processes (e.g., problem-solving, decision-making); and mental habits of mind (e.g., critical thinking, creative thinking, metacognition, self-regulation, and reflection).
(PSC 2.4/ISTE 2d)
Artifact Online Resource Lesson, The Forecast Process
Reflection
An online resource project, this four-lessons plan is part of the content curriculum used by high school instructors facilitating Aviation curriculum. The project is part of Georgia's Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) curricula, serving high school students.The project lesson plans were an individual effort that I submitted in the summer of 2013. The standards for meteorology and the ISTE Standards for Coaches, are demonstrated here with student directed learning and research-based strategies. Because the project is used as a resource for CTAE aviation instructors, the lessons provided a means to execute instruction with consistency across the program.
The learning tasks provide teachers with content to facilitate real world application of forecasting techniques using online weather data. These application tasks enable students to reach higher order thinking levels. Student gain skills in making interpretations of data, and they build skills to infer the likelihood of weather changes. The learning expereince requires students to process real world data. Content gains accompany students' appreciation of how the safety of air transportation is linked to the task of monitoring current and unknown future weather conditions. The lesson is a challenging virtual learning experience.
I learned that many details are needed to ensure that the teachers facilitating the lessons have adequate information and sufficient resources. Teachers and students have an appreciation for tasks that are real-world and step by step instructions that are clearly presented make the learning more enjoyable. Next time, I will include additional opportunities for peer input and more formative feedback, prior to submitting the final project.
The use of real world weather web tools make the teaching methods to be implemented useful for occupational experiences beyond high school. The lessons provide continuity in program implementation and are part of a growing program.