Case Study:
Your team should be working together to select a short procedure lesson which can be learned in less than an hour. Review the examples of “Principles for learning procedural skills” and “A sample Procedure Lesson” to complete the following tasks:
1. Identify all the steps, break them down to entry level, and write a generality that includes the goal and the steps at entry level.
2. Share the reasons why procedural tasks are important. References are needed.
I emailed the sample lessons, was unable to post them here. So Analyze the lesson and let's discuss.
Summary:
Do we know what procedure use or learning is? Procedures are task or things you do or
perform. For example, to know what parts
make up an essay or math problem is concept knowledge and to know how to
actually write or work out a math problem is procedural knowledge. Procedures can either be physical or mental,
but sometimes they consist of both. Through
research we see that procedures can be branching or linear. Branching procedures have some decision
points that require learners to make a
choice on what to do next and linear
means that no decisions are needed, the steps are followed in an exact order. During my research , I found ways to analyze
your procedure task to ensure that you
are using a procedure to ensure that the students are learning. http://classweb.gmu.edu/ndabbagh/Resources/Resources2/procedural_analysis.htm
I found that flowcharts and softwares like Inspiration helps
to setup procedures for learning objectives.
As our team discussed the use of procedures, we all agreed
that it is an important task. It uses
physical and mental activities to perform the task. We talked about how the uses of procedural
tasks are not like learning principles or concepts. It is where a learner follows specific steps
in a specific order. Nick believes that procedural
tasks are important because they aid in long term data retention. He
also believes when you are teaching the grade level he is it is great to use
steps to teach certain lessons. Katie’s opinions
about procedural tasks are important because it is the foundation of
learning. She shows us this through
Cuesta’s references. Then, Adelina tells
us how it allows flexibility. She uses
the
reference from Richard son (2011), that states “to ensure the efficiency of a process, task must be carried out effectively and consistently in a sequential order”.
reference from Richard son (2011), that states “to ensure the efficiency of a process, task must be carried out effectively and consistently in a sequential order”.
In your classroom, what is a lesson that requires order of
steps and what is a lesson that does not require order of steps?
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete1. Identify all the steps, break them down to entry level, and write a generality that includes the goal and the steps at entry level.
ReplyDeleteIn reviewing the Scratch Math Game by Natalie, it was identified that the procedure skill used for this particular task was a Linear procedure. It does not require the learner to use other steps to accomplish the task. The learner is only required to multiply the length and width of the rectangle to find the area.
The learner is expected to know the formula for finding an area of a rectangle and apply it to play the game.
Goal
The student will be able to use the correct formula(length x width) to find the area of the rectangle to play the game and make the cat move forward to the finish line.
Steps at entry level
*student click on the green flag to play game.
*student apply the knowledge of the formula for finding an area of a rectangle and type in the given numbers and answer.
*if answer is correct, the cat moves, if it is wrong the butterfly moves.
*student repeat this steps till it gets to the finish line.
2. Share the reasons why procedural tasks are important. References are needed.
Procedure task allows for flexibility. As task is performed in steps, it provides the individual with a preferred order to carry out the task as well as make adjustments.
Richardson (2011), states that “ to ensure the efficiency of a process, task must be carried out effectively and consistently in a sequential order”. In so doing, it ensures that an assigned task is performed correctly and consistently.
Procedures provide structure to a task, aids memory, guarantee consistency and safety. (Ockerman & Pritchett, 2000).
Reference
Ockerman, J. & Pritchett, A. (2000). A Review and Reappraisal of Task Guidance:Aiding Workers in Procedure Following
Richardson, M. (2011). Benefits of Proceduralised Systems.
Adelina, your posts and discussion really helped me gather my thoughts into something tangible. I don't know why but this particular assignment challenged me. Yet, your breakdown of the task helped me as I went back and did the same thing. I am still learning about the functionality of generalties, but hopefully will become proficient before the end of our course (smile!). I agree with your thoughts on the importance of procedural tasks. As Ockermann & Pritchett stated, procedures do provide structure, aid memory, and provide a safe basis to operate from. Thanks for sharing.
DeleteAdelina,
DeleteI agree that procedure task can be flexible as log as the step are follwed to come out with a finished product. Yes, it is important to have procedures for organization and consistency.
1. Identify all the steps, break them down to entry level, and write a generality that includes the goal and the steps at entry level.
ReplyDeleteIn the Scratch Math Game, the steps are already in their basic form. A player basically has to read the instructions and understand the mathematical formula, Length x Height = Area. They also need to have an inner work knowledge of the definition of perimeter. They will be given a question that they have to answer. They enter the answer into the box and then observe whether they were right or wrong based on the movement of a character – butterfly = wrong / cat = right.
In a simple format, it looks like this:
- Click Green Flag
- Read instructions
- Get question
- Using math knowledge, answer question
- See result (Butterfly moves = wrong / Cat moves = correct)
This procedure is a mental procedure with a primary linear path with one branching function but no variations.
The Goal: Participants will embed a working knowledge of the area formula by using the formula repeatedly in a right or wrong game scenario defined by moving sprites.
Generality: Length times Height equal Area.
2. Share the reasons why procedural tasks are important. References are needed.
In my opinion, procedural tasks are important because they are the foundation of learning. Having a procedural way to do things is your basic learning function. This is really clear in language development. When we learn a language, we do not use a hyperlink methodology but instead go step-by-step to mastery until the skill becomes second nature. This is clearly defined by Professor Maria Rosario Cuesta of the Institute of Education, University of London who shares in her document “A Task-Based Approach to Language Teaching: The Case for Task-Based Grammar Activities” that advocates of procedural task based approaches to language teaching focus on methodology becoming primary. In other words, language teaching’s primary foundation is procedural tasks (Cuesta, 1995). This concept and importance is expanded upon by Charlie Reigeluth’s Elaboration Theory. In this theory, Reigeluth states that “instruction should be organized in increasing order of complexity” (Culatta, 2012). The first foundation of that order of complexity is itself a procedure.
References:
Cuesta, M. R. (1995). A task-based approach to language teaching: The case for task-based grammar activities. (Master's thesis, University of London, London, England). Retrieved from http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=24&ved=0CDYQFjADOBQ&url=http://rua.ua.es/dspace/bitstream/10045/5412/1/RAEI_08_08.pdf&ei=TzxpT_7jOq3LsQLxjamVCQ&usg=AFQjCNEFVbv5hp0HEV8LLqv5wjTo_UzeUA.
Culatta, R. (2012). Elaboration theory. Retrieved from http://www.instructionaldesign.org/theories/elaboration-theory.html.
I agree with you Katie that, procedures are the foundation of learning. Learning itself is a process therefore, one need to follow the steps involved to accomplish a learning objective. As in language acquisition, you need to learn the sounds of the alphabets to be able to pronounce the words, next, acquire the vocabulary to be ale to speak or understand the language.
DeleteKatie, I agree with you also, that procedures are a foundation for learning. If you look at our everyday lives, we have certain steps we have t do to learn new thngs. There are steps to learn before we walk, add or subtract. Learning is a process. Good job!
Delete1. Identify Steps
ReplyDelete- Click the green arrow to being
- To find the area, multiply length times width.
- Type the answer in the blank
- Click the blue arrow
- Repeat steps for the next problem
- When the math problem changes, use the correct formula then repeat steps 3 and 4
- The cat will move when you are right
- The butterfly will move when you are wrong
Test your knowledge by solving the math problem and see if the cat wins the race
2. Procedural tasks are important because they aid in long term retention of data. In other words, classifying things we do into steps allows for us to remember them. This is important when learning new skills. Training someone to follow steps is a lot easier way to introduce new material. For example, when i teach my students to write a history essay, I teach them in steps. Step one, restate the prompt. Step 2, find three ways the oil industry changed Texas. Step 3, write 2 sentences that explain in detail what each of you meant in your reasons. Step 4, restate the prompt and your three reasons. Giving students a simple set of steps makes this much easier since at my grade level they've never done this type of activity before. Once, they actually try it most students tell me it's an easy way to write papers and as the year goes on, we add extra steps, building on the original until they can wrote a full page paper on their own.
Reigeluth, C. (1999). Principles for teaching invariant tasks. Retrieved March 19, 2012, from http://www.indiana.edu/~idtheory/methods/m2e.html
Roy, D. (2008). Designing Procedural Graphics for Surgical Patient-education Modules: an Experimental Study. Technical Communication Quarterly, 17(2), 173+. Retrieved March 20, 2012, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5037640898
Totally yes Nick, procedural task aid retention ”a reference point”. As stated in my post, it allows for flexibility where you can refer to the lay down steps or the task analysis to make adjustments. In so doing, it allows you to remember a missing step, make corrections or evaluate every step to see if the right thing is done.
DeleteSurely, learning a new skill too, you can not do without following procedures or steps involved. You will need to follow the steps involved to be able to accomplish the assigned task.
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI totally agree with you Adelina with your expansion into new skill learning. I think procedural learning and steps are key. The difference is whether the procedure is totally prescribed or if student have that flexibility you spoke of. Good reply!
DeleteYes retention is enhanced by steps. We recall how to do thing by going through steps. Like in my class I teach student how to use Microsoft Word. They have to follow steps to open, start, save and close a document. Since they have steps, they remember what to do at certain points. And then Adelina's flexibility comes in where they can change steps to do different things in word and still come out with a finished product.
DeleteGreat point Nick. I really like the layout of your history lesson. Really put to practice in the real world what we are discussing.
ReplyDeleteIn your classroom, what is a lesson that requires order of steps and what is a lesson that does not require order of steps?
ReplyDeleteLesson that requires order of steps
In my U.S. History class, seldomly students are asked to outline a section in the textbook “ The Americans”. This is normally done when we are starting a new topic or concept. The Americans is made of chapters with about 4-5 sections. Each section is made up of a title, a subtitle and mini subtitles, all these parts are color coded. Students are expected to follow the following steps to accomplish this task.
1. Write a title
2. Label all blue headings with Roman numerals
3. Define bolded words under blue heading and discuss important information.
4. Label all red headings with English alphabet.
5. Write 3-4 important information under each red heading.
6. Indent paragraphs.
7. Repeat steps above.
Lesson that does not require order of steps
During group discussion or group project presentations, students don’t necessarily follow any steps to accomplish the task.