This strategy is used before you begin your lessen. It helps to see what the students already know about the subject by using a worksheet to prompt them to think about the topic. The worksheet is the simply the alphabet listed out in a chart with the subject at the top. The teacher then divides the students into groups or pairs them off. Within an allotted time period the students begin to fill out the chart with words that are associated with the subject that begins with the different words in the alphabet. After they are done the class discusses what each group got for each letter. Also, they see which letters were used for the same idea. For example, “Malcolm X” could be used in the M slot or the X slot. This helps the students become more interested in the topic because they start off already somewhat knowledgeable about it. It also highlights for the teacher some topics that may be overlooked by the students that need to be addressed.
Comments (1)
Cassie,
I enjoyed reading your description of the Alphabet Brainstorming instructional strategy. I think that strategies encouraging students to be creative are always positive approachs to education. I also feel that this particular strategy is versatile and could be used in multiple subjects and age levels. Finally I think that the alphabet brainstorming is a catchy way to obtain the interest of ones' students while giving them time to collaborate amongst each other and share knowledge.
Posted by Rochelle Medvec | March 17, 2010 12:03 AM
Posted on March 17, 2010 00:03