My group and I might several times before we taught our lesson. We decided which order we would teach, and what would be the most effective way to teach our lesson.
Explain the object and assessment aspect of your lesson.
Students will be able to identify the reasons for the United States entering World War I.
Students will be able to identify the technological advances used in major battles.
Students will be able to define what mustard gas is.
Students will be able to explain, in their own words, the effects of mustard gas, and how it was used in WWI.
To assess these objectives the students will write a short response to the Zimmermann Telegram, and the use of Mustard Gas, placing themselves in the position of a soldier or leader of the USA.
Was your lesson executed exactly how it was written?
No, our lesson was not. Do to behaviors in the classroom, we had to skip the podcasts, and time made us cut some of the lesson short.
What was the most important thing you tried to teach your students?
The most important thing I, personally, tried to teach the students were the causes of WWI and mainly the causes for the the USA entering the war.
How do you think it went?
I feel the lesson went over well. When I was teaching, many students were acting out, but they were still asking questions, and were engaged in the lesson.
What did you learn from your students?
I learned that keeping the students spread out is important, especially if I am going to lecture. We had a group of students that were causing trouble, but they stopped when they were moved around and spread out more.
What would you have done differently?
I would have created more of a behavioral plan. We had an idea of what we would do for certain situations, but we didn't set anything in stone. Also, I would try to create some sort of hands on project to add into the lesson, rather not just lecture.
What do you think you need to improve?
I think some activities need to be added to make the lessons more enjoyable for the students.
Reflection of Podcast
How did you and your partners use the podcast in your lesson?
We had the students listening to it so they could hear the Zimmermann Telegram being read, and hear about the effects of mustard gas.
Did you use it during your lesson? Why or why not?
No we were not able to use it. We decided to cut it due to the students behavior, and felt it would not be used effectively with the way the students were acting.
Reflection of Other Students' Lessons
I felt that many of my peers did a great job with their lessons. The first group that went handled the class extremely well considering they did not realize how out of control their fellow classmates would get. Also, the english group that taught the Edgar Allen Poe story. I was impressed how they were able to take a no nonsense approach to what was happening around them. They were able to keep their composure and a straight face the entire time. That was impressive considering when I taught, I laughed several times during the lesson.
