Session 10 discusses the STAR (SoftwareTechnology for Action and Reflection) Legacy learning module. With the STAR method, modules are presented in a five-step cycle that begins with an interesting problem or challenge to be solved. Students are then asked questions to assess their prior learning; then subsequently complete activities that require them to think, look at perspectives and resources, complete assessments; then reflect on the learning. Additionally, students are asked to leave "legacies" to help the next group with their learning modules. In this way, the STAR Legacy module is evolving over time.
What are your initial reactions to this theory/model? What are barriers to its use? What benefits might be expected for those who overcome the barriers?
What are your initial reactions to this theory/model? What are barriers to its use? What benefits might be expected for those who overcome the barriers?
As I was reading this week's selection, Schwartz, et al. compared the STAR Legacy model to anchored instruction becuase of its adaptive design. I really like the concept of the STAR Legacy in the way that it challenges learners to deepen their expertise on a particular subject, and encourages the learner to leave legacies to help the next group of learners succeed. Teachers, students, and other learners may adapt a particular content to thier unique strengths, needs, and interests. If used correctly, this model can help everyone involved to explore, learn and deepen prior knowledge of a subject or content area. Barriers to this method include: unmotivated students; a poorly designed STAR model; lack of sufficient scaffolding during the learning process; lack of sufficient prior knowledge before starting the project; lack of homogenous prior knowledge of group members, and unwillingness to be flexible during the learning process. For those that overcome these barriers, a deeper knowledge of the content/subject area occurs; increased reasoning and reflective skills.
Would you attempt to use this theory/model with the students you are currently teaching or hope to teach in the future? Why or why not? Could elements of the theory/model be modified so that it would work with your current/future students?
Again, because of the structure of my curriclum, this model would not work in my lower level courses. However, I can see where this model would work with my Advanced Business students; and quite possibly my Microsoft IT Academy students. Over the summer, I plan to look for/develop a course such as this so that I may incorporate it into my curriculum. I really believe this model helps students take ownership of their work by allowing them to reason and reflect on what they need to know. I also believe it will provide substance and challenge to my courses once incorporated.
Since we're taking learning theories/models that were not necessarily created with the Web in mind and turning them into Web modules, what Web-based tools or resources could be leveraged to carry out this learning theory/model online?
In my opinon, this method would lend itself more to being an online module, simply becuase of the wealth of information that is one the internet. In designing the course, however, the teacher/developer would need to utilize more reliable sources such as subject directories and authenticated websites instead of Wikipedia, etc. Lots of web tools could be included to help team collaboration - Microsoft Sharepoint, Google Apps and Google Sites; Elluminate; Wimba Pronto and Classroom; etc. This type of assignment could be developed as a WebQuest where students can explore on their own, and come to a main conclusion.
One of your comments caught my attention: "I can see where this model would work with my Advanced Business students" - I'm curious to what ideas you have, and are willing to share. As a business librarian I'm always looking to learn more about business curricula and resource needs.
ReplyDeleteI agree that this model would fit a webquest format.
ReplyDeleteKathy-I too thought of the Microsoft IT Academy. I am really looking forward to teaching that next year. I am a bit nervous since it is so new!!!
ReplyDeleteHyun-Duck - I teach Advanced Business Studies - Accounting. This course is a self driven course, similiar to the graduation project in terms of documentation; and learning stretch. My ideas are simplistic at present, but I could create a STAR project that could help students discover more about a topic or facet of Accounting. Adv Business studies is usually taken by seniors to add extra depth to their proposed career goal. My co-worker offers Business/Computer technology. One of our former students actually created his own web browser for his experience. It actually worked! My co-worker also couples his class with the FBLA events to give students additional ways to showcase thier learned objectives. We usually have at least 2-3 national winners for FBLA because of his course. My course is exploration and further research of accounting, so there are few FBLA events for it. However, if students are interested in forensic accounting, payroll accounting, auditing, etc., the STAR model can help them on their track to find additional information. Hope this explains your question.
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