A teacher's first year teaching is full of many exciting challenges and opportunities. The four brand new educators at Mohawk Avenue School have jumped right into creating learner-active, technology-infused classrooms. Read further to hear about each of their 5th grade classrooms!
Maria Bruzzese
School: Farleigh Dickinson
What are the best things about the learner-active, technology infused structures in your classroom?
"Th is kind of learning is authentic and makes the learning real for the students. Children need to construct their own learning - then they can transfer that ability outside the classroom. If the ability to learn throughout their lives is all they know when they leave 5th grade, that's great!"
What are the biggest challenges in using these structures?
"I personally think teacher-directed teaching is more of a challenge. When teaching is teacher-directed, you can't teach to all students, and the retention rate is lower. In the learner-active classroom, the teacher can help the students one-on-one and ensure learning. Guiding the students is easier."
What advice would you give to new teachers using learner-active structures?
"If possible, try to see a learner-active classroom in action --- until you see the theories in practice it is hard to do it yourself. I have also done a lot of reading on rubrics - learning to tweak them and getting practice with them. I also read the book A Mind at a Time by Mel Levine. Finally, attend as many workshops and conferences as you can!"
Click here to see the schedule Maria is using with her students to help them plan their week.
Mark Jacobus
Eden's Philosophy
School: Ramapo College
 What are the best things about the learner-active, technology infused structures in your classroom?
"The collaboration. Having the children working in a group setting allows them to share ideas. When I was young, class consisted only of us working quietly on our own. I didn't get to make my own decisions until high school. These students decide who will do what tasks within their own groups---it prepares them for the real world."
What are the biggest challenges in using these structures?
"Sometimes it is hard to settle the students down when they are sitting at the tables."
What advice would you give to new teachers using learner-active structures?
"Sometimes you might expect too much, however, most of the time you can give the students directions and they can follow them independently. Then, you can sit down with a small group and give a minilesson. Move around constantly. Manipulate the seating in the classroom to start relationships and keep things on task. Give options for using the computer to avoid a rush on computers during class. Last, have a behavior modification plan in place that holds individual students and groups of students accountable."
For Mark's current math task, click here.
Mitchell Jacobson
School: Rowan University
What are the best things about the learner-active, technology infused structures in your classroom?
 In a learner-active environment, the students "yearn to learn." They develop a sense of ownership for the material they are researching and love working on problem-based learning tasks. The students are enabled to work collaboratively on finishing the task. The best part of implementing the technology in my classroom is the ability to use the computers for PowerPoint presentations, WebQuests, research, and several other activities. Having technology in the classroom is an essential in today's day and age. Technology is a great supplement with all of the PBL tasks.
What are the biggest challenges in using these structures?
Perhaps the biggest challenge is knowing that certain students do not need to attend mini-lessons because they know the concepts whereas some students need the reinforcement.
What advice would you give to new teachers using learner-active structures?
Don't feel intimidated in using this technique --- it is something that teachers can do with ease. You do not need to do benchmark lessons 100% of the time, because some students already know the concept and are anxiously waiting to delve into the task at hand. Problem-based learning tasks also do not require "extra time," but you should remember that with time it only gets easier. Using this type of approach will ensure success in the classroom.
Click here to see a task and rubric for Mitch's current unit on map skills.
Melissa Garagno
School: Farleigh Dickinson University
 What are the best things about the learner-active, technology infused structures in your classroom?
"The motivation from the students is the best thing. I love the fact that you can work from the students' interests. The students are doing a task in math where they create a plan for a party. The children are taking the task even farther than they need to - the enthusiasm for the task is creating a channel for further learning."
What are the biggest challenges in using these structures?
"Working around the special education schedule, which takes students out of the classroom, is the biggest challenge."
What advice would you give to new teachers using learner-active structures?
"Be open to anything. Have an open mind. Constantly try new things - and keep trying and you will move forward!"
Click to see the task Melissa is currently implementing in math class along with the rubric.
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