Case
The Upside-Down Model

In today's classrooms, we want to teach students to become self learners and discover the knowledge they have within. One way to do this is the Upside-Down model. This is also called the "You-We-I" method. Using this method, you give students a problem or task that you haven't taught and see if they can use prior knowledge to figure it out. I really like this model because it shows me what students know before teaching. I also like to see the strategies they use while working. The hard part for me is keeping those students that don't know where to begin or that don't know it so they won't do it on task. How do I keep these students engaged in the activity?

Posted on: 10/14/14 | Views: 998
Solution #1
I would personally work with those students in a group to give them more prompts and understanding of the skill. If the students are not engaged then you will start having behavior problems, so the main thing is to engage them and make it interesting for them. You could even have those students identify items within music, manipulatives, social media. Use something that would engage them and introducing the concept to them as well.

I agree. Make the content accessible to them.

When there is a group, you need work with them.

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Solution #2
The solution may be as simple as pairing them with another student. Be careful not to select someone overbearing. Pick a student that is friendly and confident. Maybe that student can be a guide and through socialization, provide the background knowledge.
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Solution #3
I think that re-assuring students that any guess is a good guess could work in keeping them engaged. Also, maybe alluding to the lesson on prior days so that even the students who don't have any background knowledge can try with some context!
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Solution #4
For students that do not have any prior knowledge I would have hint cards for them to come get. Hint cards would give words, phrases, or pictures that help students to get an idea of what the topic is about. They would then write down what they think the topic could be about based on the hint cards using them as a reference and to support their reasoning.

I think this solution might not be enough to counteract the situation.

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Solution #5
In my opinion I believe you could use positive reinforcement to help motivate those children. Instead of waiting for them respond to the task, you could take the initiative to personally call on them and hear their response. If they come up with one you feel is reasonable and makes sense, then praise them and let them know they did a great job!

This is a great idea, but if the material is new to all the students ten all the students should be praised for their guesses because they have no way of knowing if they are right or wrong until after the material is taught. You do not want to discourage the students from guessing.

I always tell the students to do their best and I definitely use positive reinforcement. I let the students know that its ok to not know something but its not ok not to try. I love to hear the students reasoning.

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