EASy Lesson
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n In the example above, I rewrote a lesson so that it is for an online course and demonstrates the use of EASy critical thinking methods. EASy stands for E (Evaluation), A (Analysis) and S (Synthesis).
A Brief Synopsis of the Original Lesson:
I found this lesson online. It is a suggested lesson from the Dana Foundation about the anatomy of the brain. It is meant to be a f2f lesson for elementary children. However, this lesson can be used for students of all ages as well. For this lesson, students would be given a blank diagram of the brain and colored pencils. As the instructor would give the lesson and describe the parts of the brain, the students would label and color in each part. This is the link to the original lesson: http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/baw1.html
The objective of this lesson is: Students will learn basic facts about the anatomy of the human brain.
New EASy Lesson:The original lesson doesn't involve a lot of critical thinking skills. The new EASy Lesson will incorporate a variety of critical thinking elements to ensure that students are making the connection between the parts of the brain and their functions, as well as connecting this new learning to their own life. This will ensure recall.
Reflection:Since this new lesson is meant for an online course, interactive online elements were included. First, instead of listening to the instructor lecture and coloring in a picture, the students will view a video about the parts of the brain. They will also fill out a brain chart that lists the names of the parts of the brain, their location, and function. They will use this information gathering tool as the basis to create a mind map comparing and contrasting the parts of the brain and their functions. This mind map will add the analytic component to the lesson. By creating the mind map, the students will demonstrate competence in analyzing the parts of the brain. The final activity is to take the learning to the next level and create something new, a blog post. This activity will give students the opportunity reflect on and synthesize their new learning, by explaining how each part of the brain relates to an experience or situation in their own life. For example, they can explain how the amygdala reacts when they see a ferocious barking dog, or have to take a test. They will also reflect on how this knowledge about the parts or the brain and their functions is beneficial.
A Brief Synopsis of the Original Lesson:
I found this lesson online. It is a suggested lesson from the Dana Foundation about the anatomy of the brain. It is meant to be a f2f lesson for elementary children. However, this lesson can be used for students of all ages as well. For this lesson, students would be given a blank diagram of the brain and colored pencils. As the instructor would give the lesson and describe the parts of the brain, the students would label and color in each part. This is the link to the original lesson: http://faculty.washington.edu/chudler/baw1.html
The objective of this lesson is: Students will learn basic facts about the anatomy of the human brain.
New EASy Lesson:The original lesson doesn't involve a lot of critical thinking skills. The new EASy Lesson will incorporate a variety of critical thinking elements to ensure that students are making the connection between the parts of the brain and their functions, as well as connecting this new learning to their own life. This will ensure recall.
Reflection:Since this new lesson is meant for an online course, interactive online elements were included. First, instead of listening to the instructor lecture and coloring in a picture, the students will view a video about the parts of the brain. They will also fill out a brain chart that lists the names of the parts of the brain, their location, and function. They will use this information gathering tool as the basis to create a mind map comparing and contrasting the parts of the brain and their functions. This mind map will add the analytic component to the lesson. By creating the mind map, the students will demonstrate competence in analyzing the parts of the brain. The final activity is to take the learning to the next level and create something new, a blog post. This activity will give students the opportunity reflect on and synthesize their new learning, by explaining how each part of the brain relates to an experience or situation in their own life. For example, they can explain how the amygdala reacts when they see a ferocious barking dog, or have to take a test. They will also reflect on how this knowledge about the parts or the brain and their functions is beneficial.