Constructing an ASSURE model lesson plan on nutrition was harder than I anticipated. It was my first time using the ASSURE model template and I found it to be rather simplistic in structure, yet complex in the content that would be included in the lesson plan.
According to the Academy of Technology Excellence website, this lesson plan model is suited for different learning styles/learners and is helpful in using different types of media ("ASSURE," 2002).
This lesson plan integrates technology to promote student success and collaboration with peers and reflects that of NETS*T Standard 3: Model Digital Age Work and Learning ("NETS*T,"2008). The content of the lesson plan appropriately aligns with the performance indicators under this standard. There were many things that I appreciated about this lesson. One thing I liked the most about this lesson was that it could be revised to fit different learning styles. I also appreciated how a simple task such as finding the salt, sugar, and fat content could be expanded using digital spreadsheets and charts. I felt that by having students create charts based on the information they obtained in their digital spreadsheets, it provided visuals and helped students better compare their findings. I felt that this lesson really reflected how technology could be integrated into almost anything.
Although the objectives were easy and achievable for average learners, it did become a challenge when trying to find accommodations for students with disabilities. It was difficult to make sure that the accommodations aligned for each part of the lesson, but as I progressed with the lesson plan, I found that it was easier to provide accommodations using other forms of technology. Also, for other disabilities that may need further accommodations, students can work in larger groups and tasks can be assigned to each group member to ensure that each person partakes in the assignment.
For this particular lesson, the part I disliked the most was making sure that the content and the objectives were grade and age appropriate. It took much consideration on my end especially because the content should always be appropriate when using technology.
This lesson is great for average learners, but many things could be done to enhance the lesson and make it more challenging for upper grade levels or for advanced learners. The teacher can require students to search online for the nutrition facts labels of different foods other than cereals. After inputting their information on a digital spreadsheet and producing charts to illustrate their findings, they can then compare the salt, fat, and sugar content of each food item they selected.
Overall, this lesson plan model is great for covering each part of the lesson and is an appropriate model for ensuring that the lesson is followed through even if the teacher isn't present. This lesson plan along with the ASSURE model are great educational resources that I would use in the future.
References
Academy of Teaching Excellence. (2002). ASSURE MODEL.
Retrieved February 20, 212 from ATE website:
http://www.mscd.edu/~act2/courseconstruct/assure.html
Retrieved February 20, 212 from ATE website:
http://www.mscd.edu/~act2/courseconstruct/assure.html
International Society for Technology in Education.
(2008). NETS*T Advanced Digital Age.
Retrieved February 20, 2012, from ISTE website: http://www.iste.org/standards.aspx.
Retrieved February 20, 2012, from ISTE website: http://www.iste.org/standards.aspx.
