Cooperative learning, which was "developed as a means to reduce competition in American schools, which James Coleman identified as a negative component of the education system." (LearnNC). After conducting a study of students in 9 Midwest high schools, James Coleman "[suggested] that instead of encouraging competition in the academic setting, 'which effectively impedes the process of education,' schools should introduce a more collaborative approach to teaching." Robert Slavin built on the research of Coleman, and researched a form of cooperative learning that he named "Student Team Learning, which he described as "'instructional programs in which students work in small groups to help one another master academic content'". Slavin believes that cooperative learning can help a student "[develop] characteristics of adolescents in order to harness their peer orientation, enthusiasm, activity, and craving for independence within a safe structure". Many teachers are unwilling to give in to cooperative learning as it means that they must relinquish some of their control. However, if implemented correctly, cooperative learning has been shown to "increase student communication skills and academic achievement(s)". In the near future cooperative based learning might become the norm for all classrooms.
Article: http://www.learnnc.org/lp/pages/4653
Monday, October 26, 2015
Research 2
The creation of a newspaper for a service learning project can greatly benefit both those who write the paper and in this case, those about whose projects will be written in the paper. One major thing that makes writing a newspaper, or any other form of media enjoyable is the "freedom to write about issues of importance to [you]." (NY Times). Although in this instance the writing may not be important to me, it gives a sense of freedom that one cannot obtain any other way. This is a chance to prove to myself that I can rise to meet the challenges of writing and publishing a paper. But the benefits are not just one-sided. The people abut whose projects we write will benefit greatly form the paper. They will get exposure among their fellow students, and (hopefully) gain respect with both adults and their peers. Overall having a newspaper for a service learning project is something extremely beneficial.
Article: http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/08/24/student-journalism-three-benefits-of-newspaper-programs/?_r=0
Article: http://learning.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/08/24/student-journalism-three-benefits-of-newspaper-programs/?_r=0
Research 1
As I have stated in the previous post, a newspaper is a complex work that can change peoples opinions drastically. As this is so, it is not something that can be taken lightly. Just like "[e]very coin has two sides, similarly media [can] also affect positively [and negatively] the society and people."(Article 1). As a direct result of media, us as people can learn about each other within minutes, and enables us share our successes and tragedies. But newspapers can be a channel for hatred and racism. Media can be "the most influential [medium] for people to resort [to] violence. Studies have suggested that the exposure to violence on television, movies and video games make children more aggressive, fearful, less trusting and more accepting of violence." (Article 1). It is because of this powerful grasp on our psyche that the media can have that means making a newspaper cannot be taken as a menial task.
Wednesday, October 21, 2015
Newspapers: intricate works of art or random scribbles
Newspapers can be a powerful tool. They can persuade people to believe certain things, or to take a specific action against people or organizations. However, being a successful writer (or editor) of a newspaper is no small task. 'There are those who claim that [newspaper] design is a “matter of taste,” that [newspaper] design is subjective, that it’s just “what you like or don’t like.” Wrong.' (Colorado Editor). There are many things to take into consideration when making a newspaper. The layout of a newspaper is an extremely important aspect. A neat and well organized paper generally keeps readers more interested in reading the paper than an unorganized one. Another factor is the population to which the paper will be delivered/circulated. A large type face would help those who are older have an easier time reading without the need for a magnifying glass.There are hosts of other smaller factors that can affect a newspaper, like the style with which you present your information and the quality of the information that you present. However, being a part of a newspaper team is definitely on menial task.
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