Hughes-BlaumTCSS11UPAGES

back to personal page

Kelsey Hughes-Blaum Unit Plan Genre Study
 * 1) The three plans I selected were “’On the Edge’ Suspenseful Literature” by Amanda Paulk, “Literature of the Holocaust: A Study of Human Issue” by Erin Rose Wilder, and “The Grotesque of the Gothic: From Poe to Present” by Amy Phillips.
 * 2) I chose these three unit plans because I feel that each one was clearly created with the students in mind. From selecting interesting material to designing lessons so that students can relate to characters/events/etc., these teachers went above and beyond to ensure their students could learn, enjoy, and retain the information being presented.
 * 3) Of these three plans, I like “The Grotesque and the Gothic: From Poe to Present” the best. I base this decision off of Amy Phillips’ clever technique of creating a bridge between past and present gothic literature. I believe this “bridge” can help students relate to current material and then apply this knowledge to more challenging classics.
 * 4) I would change the structure and organization of “Literature of the Holocaust”. Although I love the content of this unit, the way it is presented makes it harder to follow. I would also revise the final of this unit because I feel that the formula for the essay is too rigid and stifling. After such an emotionally impacting set of lessons, I would approach this final assessment through a more expressivist lens.
 * 5) These three units are all organized in a way that allows time for and places emphasis on daily journal writing. They are each also very project based. However, these units differ in their focuses on class discussion. One unit uses literature circles, one employs whole class discussion, and one barely alludes to discussion.
 * 6) I think the above similarities exist because of the importance of writing in today’s classroom. Journal writing is also a good way to get students focused and allows for ample self-expression. As for the differences, I think the amount of importance placed on discussion in a lesson is purely based off the teacher’s beliefs and knowledge of the students at hand.
 * 7) I would evaluate unit plans based upon: Content (Does the material align with the overarching “Big Question”? (Is it appropriate for the students’ reading level?), Organization (Is the material presented in a manner that is coherent and logical? Is each lesson placed in a way that builds upon the last?), Assessment (Are the students being assessed in a meaningful way that effectively targets their new knowledge and skills?).
 * 8) All of these plans give the impression that the curriculum of ELA should be well-rounded. Each uses a wide range of teaching practices to cater to different learning styles and deliver instruction in a meaningful way. As for their attitudes on good instructional practices, each places heavy emphasis on making learning interesting for the students. Each author shows determination to deliver information in a way that truly reaches the student and reinforces this new knowledge with projects that diverge from the traditional essay, presentation, etc. Although the first plan is designed for tenth graders and the second two are targeted towards eleventh graders, they each ask for around the same level of performance. These lessons demand students to be capable when it comes to reading large amounts of material and writing on a daily basis. Students are also expected to work together almost daily. However, the first lesson plan requires less complex or traditional reading material which indicates students are expected to master this material later in their education.
 * 9) I have noticed that many English teachers have similar views when it comes to what makes for good instructional practice. I was pleased to see how many teachers design their instruction with a “student-centered” approach.
 * 10) I agree with the attitude I expanded upon above. I strongly believe in presenting material in a way that grabs the interest of students. I also learn more effectively about topics I am interested in, so I feel that, when designing instruction it is important to make the the information come off as relevant and exciting.