PONderings

I’m spending the better part of my morning here at Suds Car Wash, happily working on their internet-enabled computer. While the employees are diligently hard working on removing the smell that mice have left in my car, I am exploring Jamie McKenzie’s work particularly in the area that he calls Slam Dunk Lessons (SDLs).

Key benefits of SDLs are that 1) they employ scaffolding, 2) there is a focus on standards, 3) they can be used repeatedly, and 4) they are easy to use. There are two types of lessons: Six-step lessons and the NoTime lesson. Six-step lessons involve creating six PowerPoint slides to guide students. The NoTime lesson is created on a word processor that includes a few paragraphs of instructions and possibly some images, always centred on a tough question. Those who have followed McKenzie’s work understand the idea of essential questions, and he has provided additional sources of questions, such as National Assessment of Educational Progress’ site.