Today we are continuing in our analysis of the article by Dr. Massey. Students are getting it based on formative assessment. Tomorrow and monday we will summatively assess students understanding of the content we have added and will then move on to the Neolithic once everyone is at 100% for their level of understanding. For the first month I will not move on until we are all there. After that some responsibility for getting to 100% understanding will be transfered to the student but I will remain the key component for them getting there. I believe in student centered classrooms but when i say that I mean student performance centered classrooms. The number one critical need for student achievement is quality instruction.
I am certain i will get great results this year!
I feel as if, after I read that long article today, that I understand things better. It paints vivid pictures on what people from the Paleolithic Era have done.
ReplyDeleteYet our discussion today on Abstract thought had me thinking. If it started around the Neolithic beginning, then how was it possible for homo sapiens to start using tools. Someone had to "think outside the box" to come up with the conclusion that a rock can make things easier.
Reading these opinionated articles have made me think that questioning what I've been taught in the past, could very well be wrong. It makes me look forward to further discussions about several things this year. :]
We see rudimentary tool use among many primates and a few other animals. Prior to abstract thought and reason, Massey argues, enhancements in tools only came with creatures with more highly developed brains. The big change that comes with abstract thought is that new concepts can come without biological change in the brain.
ReplyDeleteWhat intrigues me is the change in ability to use tools in terms of coordination that comes with the use of Broca and Wernicke's areas.