Instructional Strategies and Tools
Instructional Strategies Listed in the Units
Think-Pair-Share
K-W-L Chart
O-W-L Chart
Compare and Contrast Chart
3-2-1 Response
Think-Pair-Share is a strategy developed by Frank Lyman and his colleagues in Maryland. It is an easy activity to assess student knowledge and understanding about a topic and/or concept. It is also a nice way to allow students the opportunity to talk with each other in a structured manner, and increase their learning.
Think.
Provide students with a question, observation or writing prompt. Allow a minute or so for them to think individually about the question. Older students may write notes about their thinking.
Pair.
Students pair up to talk about the question or prompt. Pairs can be determined in a variety of ways. Allow a minute or two for them to discuss their thoughts and answers, and decide on one or two that they agree are best, most convincing, or most unique.
Share.
Each pair has the opportunity to share their thinking with the rest of the class.
K-W-L Chart
K-W-L is a 3-column chart that helps organize and record Before, During, and After knowledge of a topic or concept. This technique can be done with the whole class on the overhead, chart paper, or chalkboard.
Students can create the table in their science notebook or complete one provided by the teacher, cut it out, and paste it into their notebook.
[CHART]
A fourth column, “H”, can be added to answer the question, How we can learn more?
O-W-L Chart.
The O-W-L chart is basically the same as the KWL chart, except that the first column is Observe. Well suited for younger students
[CHART]
Compare and Contrast Chart.
Comparison and contrast are great ways for students to think about how plants, animals, objects, etc. are alike and different. It encourages them to pay attention to detail. When they compare items, they look for similarities, or things that make them the same. When they contrast items, they look at the differences between them. Students may complete a prepared sheet, or create their own document in their science notebooks. There are other ways to have students compare things and to represent that comparison visually. The Venn diagram is very useful for making comparisons as well as the Box & T-chart.
[CHART]
3-2-1 Response. As a quick and useful assessment tool, try using a 3-2-1 response with your students. There are several varieties of this strategy. Students can write responses in their science notebooks, then you can quickly check for understanding.
List 3 new facts or words that you have learned today,
List 2 ideas or concepts that are new to you,
List 1 question you still have.
5-3-1.
On your own, identify 5 key ideas, principles or facts.
In pairs, share your list and come up with your top 3.
At your table, or with another pair of students, identify 1 “MVP” (most valuable point) from today.