What are your initial reactions to this theory/model?
- As I read the information on the STAR Legacy Model, it sounded very similar to the Goal-Based and Anchored models. I like how the STAR model evaluates the student’s prior knowledge in a subject area. It is like wetting the soil, before it rains. It helps the speed and efficiency of the soil’s absorption of the rain. I feel this idea also applies to the human mind. I also, like how the model uses a “wrap up” near the end, to have students reflect on what was learned and how a student’s thoughts and beliefs may have changed over the lesson.
What are barriers to its use?
- I feel that creating interesting and effective STAR model challenges are very important in capturing and holding a student’s attention and interest. I feel the challenge should be in a video format, instead of just a text description. I find personally that I am more engaged with a video challenge, then by just reading something to see what the challenge is. The challenge presenter’s passionate voice and body language can be a great way to engage and motivate students. I think the “Perspectives & Resources” part can be very time consuming to build. This part is also important in holding a students interest and helping to motivate them to learn. This section should not be just a list of web links for the students to use.
Since we are taking learning theories/models that were not necessarily created with the Web in mind and turning them into Web modules, what Web-based tools or resources could be leveraged to carry out this learning theory/model online?
- I believe the STAR model can be implemented in a web-based environment. I also believe that this model can be used across many different subject areas other than just math and science applications, which the researchers mostly discussed. For example, in language arts, students could receive a challenge that involves converting a secret letter from first person to third person, where the pronouns and verb tense are part of an encryption code. I feel the STAR model can be used to support individual and group learning. This is a great plus in a diverse learning style classroom, since there are many different ways students receive knowledge.
I really like the use of your analogy at the beginning of your post. Very nicely stated. I also agree with your point about video. The use of multi-media not only enhances but tends to engage the students. Since we all strive to reach diverse learners, I also agree that this is capable through the use of this model.
ReplyDeleteMike,
ReplyDeleteI also like that the STAR theory evaluates prior knowledge. Usage of a KWL graphic organizer would be useful for this stage. I am also more engaged with video compared to text or lecture. I like your example of how you would use the STAR theory in language arts class. Cooperative learning within a group helps students learn different problem solving strategies.
Mike -
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about the need not to have the resources just be a list of of web links. Sometimes the old adage "less is more" applies when we take the time to really provide resources that are specific for what the lesson is. It should be the instructors job to wade through the muck to make those decisions not the student's job.