Manipulatives and models as an instructional method allow the learner to take what they have learned and apply it hands-on. They connect the “mind and body” so that they are utilizing multiple parts of their brain. If they can relate a topic to something they actually have done, it is easier to remember in the future and use a real-life application. This activity allows the learner to work with others, so if they don’t fully understand the concept, they can work off of each other and improve their skills as well. Learners also have the opportunity to share their work and see others, so they can make connections to how they could have improved as well as what they did better.
Application:An application of a model used in an intro course, could be during a class where we are looking different departments on campus and what their role is for each student. I would have a map of campus blown up and without any labels. The students would then have to fill out the map with building names and also the buildings function and purpose. This activity would be after a campus tour and discussions about their roles, so it wouldn’t be completely new concepts to the students. For the first 5-10 minutes of the activity they wouldn’t be allowed to use any technology, but after that amount of time they could use the internet for 5-10 minutes. After that amount of time they could use other people around the room to get ideas and compare their models. Since they have to have the functions, it would be useful to use the NDSU website to look up departments and they would understand the functions even further. This would involve group work, collaboration, time management, and also applying what they have learned in person to an actual model.
Assessment:The application I believe also works as a formative assessment because the students are showing their understanding of the material throughout their creation of the model, and I can clarify questions to a certain extent without giving away answers. There would be little preparation to create the maps themselves, but a decent chunk of in class implementation for them to actually complete the assignment. The analysis would be fairly high since there are so many parts to it, but it would show me what they didn’t understand and what needed further explanation.