21st Literacy Reflection

Throughout this course I felt justified in much of my teaching. However, one striking revelation I had is that how to find, evaluate, and synthesize on line information needs to be directly taught to students. Students are not yet educated consumers and need to be taught how to be critical evaluators. Teaching how to search for information using a variety of search terms, use the ABC's of evaluating a web site, and synthesizing information from multiple sources are all necessary skills for future success in school and career.

From this day forward I plan to directly teach these skills using the think aloud method. I will demonstrate the steps and thinking that occur when searching for information. I will then continue to how to use the ABC's of evaluating web sites. Also necessary will be how to read a website when all information may not be necessary and tools like the find search that can direct you to a particular answer. Also, the students use graphic organizers to help organize and synthesize the information gathered.

One professional development goal I have for myself is find additional ways to help students evaluate and synthesize information gathered. I plan to incorporate the ABC's learned in this class as well as additional strategies learned through research. Once students are critical consumers I would like them to be able synthesize and use the credible information. I am looking forward to applying the information I have already learned and researching to take it further.