In developing the Concept Mastery Routine to use with my students, I put more time and thought into creating the teacher copy than I realized I would need. My co-teaching partner was invaluable in helping to develop the teacher copies. We revisited the routine a number of times before we even taught it. In using the Concept Mastery Routine with my students for the first time, it took longer than expected to get through the entire routine. I thought we could complete it in a class period; however, some classes had such great discussions that it took two class periods to finish. Another challenge I faced was helping the students understand the sometimes characteristics as well as developing good examples and nonexamples. Also, in meeting with my T-TAC coaches, they showed me a better routine to use for certain topics rather than the Concept Mastery Routine which I really wanted to use.
On thing that did go well was that the Concept Mastery Routine had the students engaged, participating, and debating which was a pleasant bonus. In addition, as we have read different passages, they have been able to identify the characteristics about nonfiction and fiction. At times, they have pointed these out without me asking first. They have retained the information better as a result.
For the next time that I use this routine, I will give the students more of an opportunity to work either on their own or in small groups to develop the overall concept, additional characteristics, and a definition. I need to step back and see what they can do and understand that I can go back and help them to make changes as needed. They need to see that they can create some pieces of this routine on their own first.
On thing that did go well was that the Concept Mastery Routine had the students engaged, participating, and debating which was a pleasant bonus. In addition, as we have read different passages, they have been able to identify the characteristics about nonfiction and fiction. At times, they have pointed these out without me asking first. They have retained the information better as a result.
For the next time that I use this routine, I will give the students more of an opportunity to work either on their own or in small groups to develop the overall concept, additional characteristics, and a definition. I need to step back and see what they can do and understand that I can go back and help them to make changes as needed. They need to see that they can create some pieces of this routine on their own first.