Marzano Homework and Practice

What?

Students were given a pre-test, a homework assignment, a review, a test and a post-test over kitchen safety. Students first took the pre-test to get an idea of what the test would look like. Students were then taught basic kitchen safety. The next day, the students had to recognize safety issues in a kitchen setup by me. We then reviewed the information and they were given a homework assignment. Students took the test the next day. They were also given the opportunity to do a retake. Students continually reviewed the information and were force to recognize safety issues in their own kitchens when they did their final cooking assignment.

So what?

Last year, I taught students the information and them the test. They were then able to do a retake if necessary. I had a higher percentage of students this year who passed the test as well as students who were able to recognize the information more Ieasily in their own kitchens. Now they still say "I can't believe my mom did that!"

Now what?

Next year I believe I will have the students make note cards in the computer lab as well as create an interactive powerpoint for them to review the information before they take the test so that they are continually reviewing the information.

Marzano Reinforcing Effort and Providing Recognition

What?

Students did a project designing china for Mrs. Obama. Students received a prize and got their china hung in the hallway for everyone to see.

So what?

I was surprised how many students did not ask for their prize. I reminded them and they acted as if having their china hung in the hallway for everyone to see was enough. Using this information, I created a "brag" wall in my room and am shocked at how many students are disappointed at not having their names up on the wall. I even had one student say, "Mrs. Weed! I did something nice for Jane. Don't I get my name up on the wall???"

Now what?

This summer I was going to create an example of what I was looking for in every assignment, but instead, I think I will pick the projects that best fit what I was trying to do and use them as examples. I also want to try to find a way for students to have an opportunity to leave a legacy behind for the next students.

Marzano Summarizing and Note Taking

What?

I had students take notes over the Elements and Principles of Design. Students each took a section and followed a prescribed note-taking plan, then the students got in groups and explained their section to everyone in the group. Students then had a booklet in which they had to summarize the notes inside. After using the summarized notes on a test, the students will use the booklet for their final project of the six weeks in order to design a room. They must implement the information and the notes will help them remember what we studied.

So what?

I used this technique with another six weeks and the students were better able to remember the information covered because they had summarized the information themselves. The only difference is that I will wait to hand them back their notes until right before their projects so that they don't lose them.

Now what?

After Spring Break, I am going to try to give students a folder to keep everything they will need for their final project. I am going to try it with a small group of students and if it works, the last six weeks, I will give a folder to every student.