WELCOME TO THE BLAST MODEL – ENGLISH STYLEPresented by Monica Mello & Brian Redmond

ESSENTIAL QUESTION:WHAT EXACTLY IS THE BLAST MODEL IN

HUMANITIES?

A rotational model system using 2-3 learning stations and digital content to understand English standards.

The 3 stations:

DIRECT INSTRUCTION

INDEPENDENT STATION

COLLABORATIVE GROUPS

BLAST PD OBJECTIVE

Our objective in delivering this professional development today is two fold:

Given direct instruction of the BLAST rotational model, the teacher will understand the BLAST Model by creating a poster in groups of 4 that explains how to teach the story of the Three Little Pigs in 2-3 stations with creativity.

DIRECT INSTRUCTION

Expectations for Direct Instruction/Teacher Led Instruction

Teacher delivers content – this is the only station where the teacher orally gives directions and breaks down standard for 10-20 students at a time.

Teacher performs checking for understanding with each student during this rotation.

Each student is held accountable for participation.

INDEPENDENT STATION

Students work independently on laptops with digital content.

Students pull up Digital Agenda and follow instructions assigned by teacher, related to standard.

Student Accountability is needed. Reference “Station Leaders” slide.

COLLABORATIVE STATION

Students work in groups of 4 to construct knowledge through discussion, projects, and in-depth analysis.

A collaborative group can create a PowerPoint, Prezi, a comic based on standard, presentation, diagrams, coolaborative poster, I-movie, or

The main focus of this station is that students are driving their own “educational ship”.

Student Accountability/Station Leaders

There are 2 teacher chosen leaders per station. The role of the station leaders is to be a role model and faux teacher to the Independent/Collaborative Groups.

Purpose: To keep stations student centered instead of relying on teacher for final answer. Rule of thumb

Ask 3, Then Me. –

STUDENT REFLECTIONS & RUBRIC

Student Reflection/Rubric

Download the following items (2) from Mr. Redmond’s Website:

Station Standard Based Writing Reflection 4-9.docx

Collaborative Group Expectations and Roles

Take 4 min. to read “Station Standard Based Writing Reflection” and “Collaborative Expectations”

ROTATING

A system needs to be set in place – there are many ways that you can keep track of time for your rotations in each station:

Teachers call out warning check-ins (“5 min, left!”)

1. Clock on Smart-Board

2. Station Leaders keep time and remind teachers

3. Rotate according to station number ( Direct # 2 moves to Collaborative # 2)

BTW – Why are there #’s?

GROUPINGS for students:

Many teachers group differently, but this is the question -

Homogenous or Heterogeneous?

What do you think would be most beneficial for student learning in the BLAST Model?

Discussion/Testimonials

Maintain Rigor/Engagement

BLOOMS TAXONOMY IS YOUR BEST FRIEND.

(discipline talks here…………. )

Direct Station is rooted in recall, factual information, comprehension.

Collaborative is primarily application, analysis, synthesis/creating.

Independent is connected to analysis, recall, and

Strategies for Success in Independent Station

www.Edmodo.com (classroom Facebook for English)

www.edelements.com - Achieve 3000 (Teen Biz

www.glogster.com - digital posters/media posters

PowerPoint/Prezi/Wiki (Jon, help us out here)

i-Movie, Garage Band

Vocabulary Poems

Strategies for Success in Collaborative Station

Pro/Con charts – prepare for Debates/Socratic Seminar

Investigative Project – “What is Evil”

Create a Comic/Cartoon based on Literature

www.glogster.com - digital posters/media posters

PowerPoint/Prezi/Wiki (Jon, help us out here)

i-Movie, Garage Band

Vocabulary Poems