To consider the idea of transformations when preparing to teach
Aim
To consider the idea of transformations when preparing to teach.
Method
For a particular lesson or series of lessons focus specifically on what you know about the content and what you want your students to learn about the content. If teaching materials are prescribed, review them in the light of your understanding of the subject matter.
How do you represent your personal understanding of this content? How might you make it meaningful for your students?
Consider some ways in which you might transform the content. How might you introduce ideas/concepts/principles?
How can you best move students from what is known or familiar to new knowledge?
Are there any strategies, activities or tasks which seem particularly appropriate?
What makes you think they will work?
Are there parts of the learning where students may misunderstand or be mislead? How might you avoid this?
What language will you use?
How will you approach any subject-specialist language?
If possible discuss your ideas for transformations with another teacher or student teacher.
Follow-up
Teach the lesson and try out your transformations. How did they work? Is there anything from the lesson that you will to add to your representational repertoire?
