Section 1.6

Instructional Formats

As previously discussed in Section 1.4, the ARC challenge projects are distributed to the students before they have learned the required content and skills.  The content still needs to be taught.  There are options for the format of how you choose to teach the content.

1. Whole class mini-lessons:  These usually take 10 minutes at the beginning/end of each class. and can be assessed through formative measures such as warm ups, bell ringers, practice written responses or immediate feedback from the teacher while circulating the room.  Summative assessment measures will happen at the conclusion of the unit.

2. Flipped learning:  Post the content and have students read/complete assignments for homework.  Use class time for students to ask questions.

3. Just in Time instruction:  While circulating the room during the work periods, the teacher can give instruction on content to individual groups when they encounter the material.  Recording keeping is critical for this to work so that the teacher can ensure that all groups have received instruction.

4. Combination:  Flip the learning content with the expectation that all students will follow through on the outside work.  However, while circulating during work periods, the teacher should look for opportunities to have just in time conversations with groups.

The next five sections cover the unit content that can be taught using one of the formats explained above and can be taught in any order.

• Section 1.7 Students learn unit vocabulary

• Section 1.8 Student teams create an Evolution of the Innovation artifact

• Section 1.9 Students evaluate sources for credibility

• Section 1.10 Students use and cite resources appropriately

• Section 1.11 Students are introduced to block programming