Mini-Lesson #3 Belief Statements

General Overview and Timeframe:

This lesson will be executed at the end of the first semester. The first two mini-lessons will required students to generate twelve weekly reflections and participate in twelve asynchronous discussion circles that have given them fuel for the first phase of Lamb's Inquiry Model 8Ws -- Watching and Wondering. This final step challenges students to synthesize what they have learned and produce a list of eight belief statements about teaching and learning. In an attempt to encourage the development of visual literacy skills, students must also produce a nonlinguistic representation of their beliefs. (Time: student dependent)

Elaboration of Activities:

Guiding Question: What do I believe about teaching and learning?

Sample Symbol and Belief Statements

Note: Belief statements should be written in a way that the reader can clearly see the connections between the picture and the beliefs.

This picture is from the perspective of sitting upon the seat of a Navajo outhouse. The outhouse is likely located on the Colorado Plateau. Many times the outhouses are located in remote places where Navajo families have their summer hogans. Doors are not always necessary -- air circulation for ventilation purposes and temperature balance receive precidence. The artist's name is Shonto Begay.

Source: www.medicinemangallary.com/bio/shontobegayarticle.lasso

I, Joe Pounds, believe it is the teacher's job to create a comfortable, safe environment, but not so comfortable that students do not want to leave. (Source: Reflection #3)

I believe the classroom should be a place that allows students to look beyond its walls and see their own hopes and dreams in the distance. (Source: Reflection #5)

I believe learning should be self-directed and motivation to learn should come from within the learner. (Source: Discussion Circle #1)

I believe the learning should be front and center, not the teacher. (Source: Discussion Circle #1)

I believe whenever possible that students should be given a choice in the direction they want to go. (Source: Reflection #2)

I believe learning should have elements of excitement, spontaneity, and creativity while at the same time provide regular opportunities for self-reflection and self-assessment.(Source: Discussion Circle #2)

I believe schools should be free of academic competition and ability groupings. (Source: Reflection #5)

Mini-Lesson #3 Belief Statement Checklist for Evaluation

Completion Checklist:

___ A minimum of seven belief statements have been written (14 points possible).

__ All of the belief statements are unique (7 points possible).

__ A symbol/picture has been provided (5 points possible).

__ All belief statements have a clear connection to the symbol or picture (14 points possible).

__ Elaborating details are provided about the picture (5 points possible).

____Sources have been identified for all belief statements (7 points possible).

___ The final product has a professional appearance. (potential loss of 10 points).