The First Day of Class -

Student Centered to the Extreme

Dr. Cathlin Davis

First Day of ClassWhat we usually do:

read the syllabusice breaker activity

homeworkout early?

First Day of ClassMaybe try something different…

Center Rotationa series of activities students complete individually

or working in groups

CREDE model1) Teachers and Students Producing Together

Facilitate learning through joint productive activity2) Developing Language and Literacy Across the Curriculum3) Making Lessons Meaningful

Connect curriculum to students’ experience and skills.4) Teaching Complex Thinking

Challenge students toward cognitive complexity.5) Teaching through Conversation

Engage students through dialogue, especially instructional conversation.

crede.berkeley.edu

First Day of ClassCenter Rotation

The students work, talking and thinking

The professor guides

Subject Matter CoursesLanguage and Literature Oral

Communication/Composition/Critical Thinking

Children’s Literature/ Philosophy/Humanities

History and Social ScienceEarly US History/California

History/American GovernmentAncient World History/Geography

Visual & Performing ArtsArtMusic

TheatreMathematics ScienceChemistry/PhysicsGeologyBiological ScienceComputer Science Physical Education & Human

DevelopmentHuman Development/Second

Language AcquisitionKinesiology

My Senior Seminar CourseThree major units:Mock Interview

Group Research Project Subject Matter Portfolio

Opening RotationsSyllabus Center

Students read the syllabus(or at least start)

questions on sticky notes

Opening RotationsGroup Presentation

day oneBrainstorm

day twoBuild connections

LaterRepeat these steps with their own project

Opening RotationsMock Interview

Brainstorm information for curriculum vitae and cover letter

(written component of assignment)

Opening RotationsSubject Matter Portfolio

5 of 9 centersbrainstorm concepts learned

list classes takengo over questions with meevaluate examples (twice)

RotationsYour turn:

Station 1: your core assignmentsStation 2: presentation planning

Station 3: Subject Matter concepts

Opening RotationsPresentation Planning

step two:three ideas get linked

visual representation of what they do in their groups

no stress – it’s not their real project

How to Design a CenterSubject Matter Portfolio

proceduresgrading rubric and examples

the annoying “about”unclear on concepts –”I don’t

remember”panopticon.csustan.edu/davis/4960

How to Design a CenterLooking at Examples

“physics” good and bad examplesintroduction of rubricthey do what I’ll do

How to Design a CenterFocus on a specific task

Students should: work together in pairs or triads

be able to complete the task in timebe able to work independently

Final Tips: Be OrganizedOrganize groups in advance

Put all materials for each center in a folder

Make a list of what you need: markers, post-it notes, worksheets,

other materials

Final Tips: Be Brave

Give up control on the first day

They will read the syllabusThey will understand the assignments

You can answer questions and give more information in later classes