Challenges, Obstacles, and Excitement

Mary Jane Cruz
Challenges, Obstacles, and Excitement
The lesson plan was a challenge for me because I was not too familiar with the ASSURE model. I did a number of researches and I found that, “The ASSURE model incorporates Robert Gagne’s events of instruction to assure effective use of media in instruction.” Robert Gagne’s theory is that there are several levels of learning and he identifies five; verbal information, motor skills, cognitive strategies, intellectual skills, and attitudes. My research was able to help me complete my lesson plan because it gave me step by step instructions on how to write the lesson using the ASSURE model.
My topic that I have chosen is called “Grocery Shopping” and the content area is math and integrates technology, social studies, and fine arts. The NETS*T standard that I believe is similar to my lesson plan is 2A, “Design developmentally appropriate learning opportunities that apply technology-enhanced instructional strategies to support the diverse needs of learners.” This standard relates most to my lesson because I first start off my lesson with an activity then the students will apply it through technology using Microsoft Excel. I accommodate the student’s diverse learning styles by providing visual aids for visual learners, lectures for auditory learners, and group projects for the kinesthetic learners.
This lesson plan was difficult because I did numerous researches and I spent countless hours devoting to making sure the objectives were carried out correctly. I would enjoy actually teaching this in class because I think the students will love to compare prices and read the newspaper. I knew I wanted to focus my topic on money because children love money. They love to pretend and explore all the possibilities that money can bring. Another challenge was the Microsoft Excel because I did not know how to make a graph out of excel. I only know how to create it using a Microsoft power point; I had to teach myself how to create a graph. My final difficulty was the rubric. I have written rubrics before but I am still not great at it. I just researched on the internet and compared those rubrics to my lesson and used them. I know I will get better at creating them when I write more lesson plans.
I enjoyed decorating and writing the lesson plan. I love decorating on the computer so that part was not difficult at all. It was actually a stress reliever for me and I just have fun decorating my lesson plan. I liked writing it even though it did give some challenges because I kept thinking as a mind of a third grader. I wondered if a third grader would be able to achieve it and learn from it. It was exciting to write because I believe it is a fun lesson that children will enjoy. I even went as far as looking up newspaper ads and comparing the prices and I had a fun time searching for them.
Overall, I think this lesson plan was challenging yet fun at the same time. I learned how to use the ASSURE model, create graphs using excel, and write a rubric. This lesson plan will surely be used when I become a future educator. I look forward to learning more about technology and improving my skills in writing lesson plans using the ASSURE model.

References

International Society for Technology Education (1997-2009). National Educational Technology
Standards Retrieved September 17, 2009, Website: http://www.iste.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=NETS

Heinich, Molenda, Russell, Smaldino (1999). The ASSURE Model.
Retrieved September 17, 2009, from Instructional Media and Technologies for Learning Website: http://www.unca.edu/education/edtech/techcourse/assure.htm

Kearsley, G. (1996-2006). Conditions of Learning (R. Gagne). Retrieved September 17, 2009,
from Explorations in Learning & Instruction: The Theory Into Practice Database
Website: http://tip.psychology.org/gagne.html