We know from our own experiences that when learning is purposeful, we are engaged and motivated to make meaning of content, ideas, and topics to understand and accomplish a goal! In personalized learning, learning and application occur in a purposeful, real-world context connected to students’ lives. One of the biggest struggles teachers share is creating a context for learning content and skills connected to the real world. This month we’d like to introduce an adapted version of a graphic organizer from the great Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe (Understanding by Design). The What’s My Point graphic organizer is a fantastic thinking tool to help you get at the heart of what and why the content of your unit is so important to learn and how it is connected to the real world.
Overview: Use the What’s My Point graphic organizer to think through your units. If the questions seem a bit redundant, that’s because they are. The more you consider your content’s significance and connection to the real world, the more likely you will land on the real reason the content is important to learn. When you know “your point,” you can work to frame learning in this meaningful context. (See image below for examples)
Link to What’s My Point (just click)
Don't Forget!!
1. Take baby steps. To practice, it might make it feel more manageable to try this with a lesson first. Then start with one unit. After that, it's ok to evolve one unit at a time.
2. Collaboration is key. Try this with a colleague. Teaching the same subject and grade is helpful but not necessary. The main goal is to have a thought partner in the process.
Join in the conversation. Post a comment:
The image below shows the evolution of four units using What’s My Point. The first two columns show the teacher’s original point of teaching the unit. The last two columns show the teacher’s shift in thinking after completing What’s My Point.
Link to What’s My Point (just click)
Don't Forget!!
1. Take baby steps. To practice, it might make it feel more manageable to try this with a lesson first. Then start with one unit. After that, it's ok to evolve one unit at a time.
2. Collaboration is key. Try this with a colleague. Teaching the same subject and grade is helpful but not necessary. The main goal is to have a thought partner in the process.
Join in the conversation. Post a comment:
- Share how you used this graphic organizer. What worked? What didn't? What would you modify?
- Share a similar resource that you have used with success.
- Share an area of focus for next month's resources.
The image below shows the evolution of four units using What’s My Point. The first two columns show the teacher’s original point of teaching the unit. The last two columns show the teacher’s shift in thinking after completing What’s My Point.
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