teaching pltw biomedicine in a title i s chool: engaging students when grades don’t motivate
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Danielle Thompson Lincoln High School San Diego Unified School District. Teaching PLTW Biomedicine in a Title I S chool: engaging students when grades don’t motivate. You teach what and where??? . - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
Teaching PLTW Biomedicine in a Title I
School: engaging students when grades
don’t motivate
Danielle ThompsonLincoln High SchoolSan Diego Unified School District
You teach what and where???
Creating Relationships(Payne)
The role of the educator is not to save the student, but rather to offer a support system, role models, and opportunities to learn, which will
increase the likelihood of the student’s success.
Lincoln High School Demographics
API -617 (2012)Intercity urban school86% of students qualify for free and/or reduced lunch
1537 students (down from over 1800)
High teacher turnover (over 50% since 2011)
2013 CST Test Score Data15% passed Algebra 1 (up from 5%)
32% passed ELA15% passed Biology/Life Science (down from 27%)
Student Demographics
61% Hispanic28% Black7% Asian36% EL population16% Special Ed
STRUGGLES
Majority of students never do homework
Frequent absences Lack of parent support and/or
guidance Only 9% of parents have a 4-year degree
Lack of technology and/or Internet at home
General chaos of working in high poverty schools
Why PLTW PBS?
Students are engaged in curriculum Makes connections between
concepts that students so desperately need
hands-on experience Students see real life connections -
this isn’t just about gradesViable career choices Teaches students “Grit”
Let’s step back a bit…
Grit StudiesThe tendency not to abandon
tasks from mere changeability. Not seeking something because of novelty. Not “looking for a change.”
The tendency not to abandon tasks in the face of obstacles. Perseverance, tenacity, doggedness.
What is Grit?
SAMPLE QUESTIONS FROM GRIT SCALE
1.New ideas and projects sometimes distract me from previous ones.
2.Setbacks don’t discourage me.3.I am a hard worker.4. I finish whatever I begin.
What is GRIT? growth
mindset” — those who “believe that we can get better at almost anything, provided we invest the necessary time and energy”
How does PLTW teach GRIT? PBS Lesson 1.2.1 –
What is DNA? Students had the
“building blocks” of DNA and were required to assemble them with the minimal directions acting like Watson & Crick
Frustration
How does PLTW teach GRIT? Constantly remind students that “IT
IS OKAY TO BE FRUSTRATED – Embrace it!”
Let.Them.Fail. Think of yourself as a guidebook, not
an itinerary.
What is GRIT?
How does PLTW teach GRIT?
TEAMWORK and COLLABORATION They call this “social intelligence”▪ Was able to find solutions during conflicts
with others▪ Showed that s/he cared about the feelings of
others▪ Adapted to different social situations
How does PLTW teach GRIT? STUDENT-LED – students must read
the directions in order to complete assignments
Students are repeatedly handed back their work until it is passable.
How does PLTW teach GRIT? CURIOSITY
Was eager to explore new things Asked questions to help s/he learn better Took an active interest in learning
THIS IS THE EASY PART!
How does PLTW teach Grit? Low income students statistically
score very low on the GRIT scale. PLTW teaches character development which is just as important as content!
Overcoming Struggles
Scaffold
How to scaffold PLTW PBS curriculum
These directions when scaffolded become this:
Add information about Anna’s last meal to the Project 2.2.1 Autopsy Report – under the heading Gastrointestinal System. Include a summary of how this finding could link to her diabetes and her death.
Add information about Anna’s last meal to the Project 2.2.1 Autopsy Report – under the heading Gastrointestinal System. Include a summary of how this finding could link to her diabetes and her death.
a. What was Anna’s last meal? b. How do you know? (add evidence from your lab!)c. What type of Diabetes does Anna have? d. How is her stomach content information linked to her
Diabetes? e. Could this have been linked to her death?
Modifications
All directions that require something to write/type is highlighted
Key vocabulary Explicit Teaching of ALL material
Modifications
Labs and activities take longer In general, add at least 2 days to most
activities Embrace QUALITY over quantity
When the culture has changed, quantity will occur
CONTROLLED CHAOS
Controlled Chaos
Controlled Chaos
Opportunities
Field Trip To UCSD Hillcrest medical Center
My student who was accepted to the Perry Outreach 1/30 with over 300 applicants!
Controlled Chaos
Calvin and Hobbes always say it best…
Recommended Readings
How to talk so kids will listen and listen so kids will talk -Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish
A Framework for Understanding Poverty -Ruby Payne
Angela Duckworth's TED talk What if the Secret to Success is Failure?
NYT Article
Contact Info
Danielle Thompson Lincoln High SchoolProject Lead the Way Biomedical
SciencesLincoln High SchoolSan DiegoPhone (619) 266-6500 ext [email protected]