8-week lesson/training plan
(1) Title of the lesson/training:
To Breastfeeding or Not…Is the Question…(2) Target audience:
Adult students in a Parenting 101 class
(3) Learning/Training objectives;
-Students will be able to make an informed decision when choosing how to best feed their babies
-Students will explain the benefits of breast milk when compared to infant formula.
-Students will construct an interactive, informational web site to enhancing the learning environment.
(4) Rationale for the use of wiki:
A wiki will be utilized in order to facilitate collaborative learning, knowledge construction, critical thinking, and contextual application. The desired learning outcomes include developing reasoning skills, becoming more familiar with key issues, gaining a balanced perspective, expressing views based on evidence and research and critically evaluating opposing sides. (West & West, 2009, p. 85)
The class will be broken down into four groups that will further be broken down into two sides. The students are able to pick the side in which they would like to present. Students are required to find resources to back up/strengthen their position on this topic. A debatepedia wiki will be used in order to pose a structured argument. Students will be evaluated on the presentation of the wiki so all media forms are allowed, i.e. digital, audio, etc.
(6) Suggested wiki-related learning activities/practices/schedules:
Week One: Class introductions> include comfort level with technological integration in a learning environment, syllabus familiarity, poll on infant feeding preference
Week Two: Structured discussions on debate tactics
Week Three: Structured discussions on the wiki>
functions, types, pros and cons in the adult learning environmentWeek Four: Tutorial on debatepedia, hands-on practice and questions and answer forum on system
Week Five: Start the project that runs through week 7
Week Six: Work on project
Week Seven: Project due and class presentation
Week Eight: Re-poll the class on their current view after completing project- start a discussion by seeing just how many students changed their views as a result of the assignment
(7) Wiki Activity Evaluation (rubric, grading criteria, etc.):
20pts- Wiki page development> content, presentation of the page, resources used
20pts- Arguments substantiated with research that supports the viewpoint
(8) References
West, J. A., & West, M. L. (2009). Using wikis for online
collaboration: The power of the read-write web. San Franciso, CA:
Jossey-Bass.
(9) Lesson/Training plan examples you've found useful but not listed below.
Dr.Kang’s syllabus
Bloom’s Revised Taxonomy
Quick Flip Questions 
This is an interesting project and it seems like a good way to introduce a topic that many new parents might feel conflicted about given all the public attention this topic gets from the media from all different angles. I like the way that you structured the project, but considering part of the learning objectives is for "students to make an in formed decision when choosing how to best feed their babies," how will you approach the later part of the project if a student changes their mind halfway through and decides they prefer the method other than the one they have committed to working with? Since these are new parents or yet-to-be parents, it seems like there could be a bit of shuffling from a few participants. I see that you have discussions built into the beginning of the course; do you think the debate portion would be sufficient for participants to figure out which side of the issue they are on?
ReplyDeleteIn no way is this meant to be critical; I really like what you have here...these were just questions that naturally came to mind as I was reading through this. One of the units my students are working on now is the persuasive essay, and it is amazing how many students will switch sides on something they thought they felt passionately about because the accurate research they were pouring through made them see things differently. My wife wasn't able to breastfeed my son and she felt a lot of social pressure from her family regardless, so I can easily see how this might be a topic where part of the barrier is breaking through that social stigma which might not happen until they start digging through the research later into the project.
I really like your plan! I think this would be a great way to develop argumentative writing skills, which is always a benefit. I have to agree with the above poster, that this can be a highly emotional subject for some individuals. Also, I am as he mentioned - individuals whom have never parented may have a preconceived notion based entirely on opinion. Once, the individual looks into research, they may change his or her side. As a mom of two, I have seen pressure on both sides of the debate. Contrary to B's wife's family, my family formula fed. So, when I decided to breastfeed - a few family members regarded it as 'icky' for lack of a more sophisticated term.
ReplyDeleteWould there be a way to modify this lesson to explore the stigmas associated with either side, and perhaps, focus on debunking those stigmas? Rather than simply looking for research as to which is best.
Oops! I published before I was finished. Please forgive the grammatical errors!
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteBmaxam and Jessica,
ReplyDeleteYou both posed some really good comments and of course I will not take offense as I too understand the controversial attitudes toward this topic. With regard to students changing their position in the middle of the assignment that is fine however they would have to continue in the role in which they originally chose. I also would like or welcome a change of heart in either way as this would solidify the assignment in a way as it encouraged them to research a topic that they may or may not have had any prior knowledge and make an informed decision.
As far as the personal aspect of the subject, I do know that breastfeeding can be a very touchy subject for some. I also know that all women are not able to feed their children in this way as some babies just do not respond well to this technique or other medical reasons that may not allow the mother to have this option available to them. I can say when I was pregnant the first time, I assumed I would choose to feed my child infant formula; however I did a lot of research and decided that I would try breastfeeding but if it didn’t work, I would not allow all the outside pressures to get to me. I can say I was successful with my son and seem to be doing fine with my little princess thus far. I am the first person, other than my sister-in-law, that has breastfeed within my family.
Jessica I do like the associated stigmas as a good topic as well.
Danella
Danella,
ReplyDeleteI love your topic; its relevancy oriented and valuable to their every life and needs. You students will definitely see a reason and purpose for their learning (West W. & West M., 2009). In return, I’d imagine their engagement will be extremely high.
You mentioned that the arguments will be sustained with supported research. Is that contingent on the research the students provide? What guidelines will you use to ensure that they arguments are appropriate?
Reference:
West, J. A., & West, M. L. (2009). Using wikis for online collaboration: The power of the read-write web. San Franciso, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Danella,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great topic and wonderful approach to teaching about it. What I like most is your structured approach to discussion. For some, your topic may seem controversial and this is a great way for students to lay out their perspectives in a sophisticated manner, relying heavily on facts rather than just opinions.
Also, I like that you incorporated the "rules of engagement" regarding debate into the actual lesson plan. This will give your students an introspective or a learn-as-you-go learning experience.
Wests'(2009)state that the instructor must avoid weighing-in with their own opinion when facilitating Debatedia Wiki and instead hone in on the process (p. 87). Do you foresee this being an issue?
Cara,
ReplyDeleteI don't think I would have a problem staying neutral while facilitating such a project even though the topic is one that could possibly draw a lot of discussion.
Danella
TEVincent,
ReplyDeleteThe students are required to research the topic and substantiate their stance whether for or against the subject. In order to monitor the appropriateness of the arguments, I would ensure to inform the students that personal opinion is not what this assignment is based, but facts only.
I hope this addresses your question.
Danella
I am impressed with your layout and topic with the depth of which you address your topic the students have a new way to express their ideas and gain knowledge into this delicate debate I think that a public forum such a wiki can keep them honest and keep a touch of tact to the discussion knowing that it is more public than just a discussion board in a LMS
ReplyDelete