Journal # 6

This journal is titled "Mapping Student Minds" by Ariel Owen.   This journal explores the journey into the students' minds.  Owen talks about a field trip that the teachers and students participated in where they collected data on a nearby creek.  While on this field trip the students are to collect data about the surrounding elements.  After they collect all the necessary data, the students are then to create a casual map.  With these maps, the children then get into groups of two and map out the relationship between the elements that they have collected data from.  This map reminds me greatly of the inspiration maps we did earlier in class.  The article goes on to say that these casual maps, and showing the relationships, are difficult for the students to complete. The inspiration maps were hard at first, but as we got to mess around with them, they were a powerful educating tool.  I feel that with the students it will end up being the exact same thing.  The more they use the casual maps as a tool for learning, the better they will become at using the program and the better they will learn the material.

Question 1:  What is the significance of using casual maps?

The significance is a better understanding of the materials.  The more the students get a hands on approach at learning, the better they will acquire the knowledge.  I also think that the maps work well if done in a group.  I think that the students will learn from each other as well as from the actual program.  They will exchange thoughts about how it should be laid out and what information to put into their project.  Not only will they learn how to work with the program, but they will also learn how to work with each other.  I will definitely use this program in my classroom.

Question 2:  Could there be any problems using this program?

I really don't see any problems working with this program.  I think the program is extremely positive and can only offer positive feedback.  The only problem I see is the problem of the kids working together clashing their ideas.  It is hard to find a person easy to work with.  But done in the right environment, it can be a positive way to learn.  Another problem could be the amount of time to complete the assignment.