Peer StAIR Reviews

Kelly Mahoney
LESSON PLAN: Math Menu
 
I think your lesson is a very fun, yet challenging, way for students to interact with math in an everyday scenario. Creating a real life situation will no doubt make the learning more meaningful. I wondered how you might structure this for a student who struggles with mathematics though? I think the idea of modeling to your students is a very good one. I am unclear on whether or not you tested out the actual math of it though? This may but more of a mute point, as your students should have already obtained all the skills prior. One way I might suggest looking at this would be to take out the take a tip to start with though. (e.g. if you have 70 dollars, that means your bill can be 55.03 prior to 6% sales tax and 20% tip.) I think that strategy might help kids who are a little slower with math, as it takes the “twist” out, or so to speak. I want to reiterate, that I think this is a great lesson; I also know this lesson to be a challenging one.
WEB SOURCE: http://www.merlot.org/merlot/comments.htm?material=594769

StAIR: Genre Investigation
I think this is a well done StAIR. There were some functionality issues that I would assume relate to me viewing it on Open Office. Issues included text running out of view, videos unable to play, and the page arrows not responding always. As I said, I think those are issues relating to using different platforms than one another. As far as the content of the presentation, I think you do a very good job of presenting the material. The strongest aspect might be the use of examples. Even though I am an adult and know these genres already, it made the study of genres seem almost vivid to have such classic examples. I can only assume the videos added a deeper and more intricate form of teaching. I am not a huge fan of animations in general, and felt at times spinning and moving words distracted from the purpose. The quiz questions were great, and I liked that they each had a written response. I used sounds and felt retrospectively that they may be misleading to one who misinterprets, and leaves out those who cannot hear. Overall this was a very good presentation with multiple intelligences targeted, and concrete goals and objectives.
WEB SOURCE: http://www.merlot.org/merlot/viewMaterial.htm?id=605250

Edwina Lawson
LESSON PLAN: Parts of a Plant
I think this lesson holds great merit. I am not sure if your students will find great meaning in the connection between parts of a plant and what they eat at the superstore though. Regardless, I think this is an excellent lesson within a lesson, as it is amazing how many basic fruits and vegetables American children (and adults) cannot name. Another strong source of interest for students might be to relate the structure of plants and vegetables to each other and other species. I think you use multiple ways of teaching effectively through direct instruction, questioning, student work on graphs and computers, and then writing and reflecting as a class. In this regard you weave together multiple intelligences and strategies into a very well rounded lesson.
WEB SOURCE: http://www.merlot.org/merlot/comments.htm?material=596502

StAIR: How Do Body Systems Work Together
This was a difficult StAIR for me to review, as I was unable to interact with the video or exlore any of the diagrams. I am not sure of the reason for that, or if something was missing from the presentation. The information on the slides was very thorough, but without the ancillary materials the presentation is obviously limited to a smaller group of learners whose skills lie in reading and recalling. The video aspect would surely add a dimension and help those who are visual and auditory learners. Additionally, I think the interactive diagrams would be great for exploring the human body and its various systems. The quiz section worked well for me, and I liked the combination of visuals and texts. I think one thing (that I have not done either) that might be helpful would be not only a statement of error, but also an explanation of why their answer is not correct. For example, one questions correct answer is all of the above, perahaps if the response acknowledge their answer as partially correct it would help students to find the ultimate answer more quickly. Overall I enjoyed your presentation and wish I could have viewed it in its entire form. It is well designed and pleasant to read and view.
WEB SOURCE: http://www.merlot.org/merlot/comments.htm?material=604927