The aim is to make the two weeks as immersing, enriching and multi-faceted as possible while keeping it relevant, applicable and accurate.
Keeping it Relevant:
We start off with with individual research where the students will find and bring in current event articles relating to the health issue. They read the material on their own so they can present it to their classmates in a seminar style session. The articles are invariably diverse and tend to bring into discussion the many aspects and populations affected by the disease. It has proven an excellent way to make issues that may seem removed from the students to something they can relate to. It also encourages good research, reading, speaking and analytical skills.
Keeping it Applicable:
While one of the main concerns of the program is to disseminate information and expose our students to a wide range of health topics and disparities, we understand the rigors of being high school Juniors and are committed to aiding in academic success. As most of us know, the SAT is something that causes a great deal of anxiety. On top of this, the opportunity to enroll in prep programs is more available to some than others. Subsequently, it is our goal to facilitate and aid in the learning process and one of the best ways to do this is by enhancing vocabulary.
Every other week, while reading their articles, the students will each find three words they are not familiar with. They will then look up the definitions along with the parts of speech and copy these onto index cards. They will make a set for each of their peers and exchange them in class. The students are responsible for learning all 21 words and are tested on them the next week.
This is a great way for the students to become engaged readers as well as encourages dictionary use and vocabulary and part of speech retention.
Keeping it Accurate:
After an introduction to the basic parts of the health topic, we invite the residents from Beth Israel to come in and answer any questions the students have about the disease. They also provide an expert opinion and relevant first-hand experience that is invaluable to the learning process.
This procees is quite maddening, however also tolerable.It has helped me learn new words that i never ever heard of!It also makes you think of life outside the box and meet people who share their experiences of certain topics.Both lead to a more opened mind!!
ReplyDeleteMany times, especially when it comes to learning, the most frustrating things are often the things we eventually benefit from the most. It is just hard to see that when you are in the midst of memorizing all those vocabulary words! Just wait for the SAT and see if the words start to benefit you then!
ReplyDelete