Grading Blog - Grid Method
I chose to investigate the Grid Method of grading. I have never heard of this method and was curious to see how I could incorporate this into my PE/Health curriculum. The Grid Method allows for a massive amount of flexibility which really makes it an option for any class. I often find that some grading practices just don’t fit into the PE realm very well but I could see this one working. This method is driven by student choice and contains a large variety in activities. Essentially the teacher set up a grid for students to choose activities based upon certain learning goals/targets. Practice activities are included using a variety of different options for students to choose from. When a student feels like they have mastered the content they will take a quiz and eventually a summative test to move on.
Incorporating this in my PE curriculum would definitely be a challenge but I like the possibilities that it could bring. Anytime I can allow for student choice I think that it benefits the learning environment in a positive way. In our school the majority of our focus in PE class revolves around fitness. If I used the Grid Method in my PE classes the “practice” activities for certain movements in PE class could be different workouts addressing the components of fitness. Each component would have a variety of different workouts for the students to choose from. I could introduce different movement patterns (squat, hinge, push) in videos for students to see proper technique. The workouts would then give them time to practice those exercises and movement patterns. Then the test would be the student videotaping themselves performing the movement pattern or maybe designing a workout that incorporates those exercises.
Many challenges in PE classes come down to management. I know in our PE classes the student count is very large and space is very small. Using the grid method would require a lot of planning in order for the system to flow smoothly. It would also require our department to all agree on using this method as each PE teacher would be monitoring a different activity/workout for that day. With six different teachers in the department this could be a tough task. I am also not quite sure on how long we would need a “unit” to run in order for all of our students to meet their goals.
Overall I like the idea of the Grid Method. In my experience, student choice and a variety of activities have always produced a quality learning environment where students are challenged but are able to go at their own pace. I'm not sure if this is something that I would be able to incorporate long term in my PE classes but I am open to the idea of it. This may be an idea that I put into place with my PE classes during the current E-learning time. I think it would be a great option and easier to manage this way.
Incorporating this in my PE curriculum would definitely be a challenge but I like the possibilities that it could bring. Anytime I can allow for student choice I think that it benefits the learning environment in a positive way. In our school the majority of our focus in PE class revolves around fitness. If I used the Grid Method in my PE classes the “practice” activities for certain movements in PE class could be different workouts addressing the components of fitness. Each component would have a variety of different workouts for the students to choose from. I could introduce different movement patterns (squat, hinge, push) in videos for students to see proper technique. The workouts would then give them time to practice those exercises and movement patterns. Then the test would be the student videotaping themselves performing the movement pattern or maybe designing a workout that incorporates those exercises.
Many challenges in PE classes come down to management. I know in our PE classes the student count is very large and space is very small. Using the grid method would require a lot of planning in order for the system to flow smoothly. It would also require our department to all agree on using this method as each PE teacher would be monitoring a different activity/workout for that day. With six different teachers in the department this could be a tough task. I am also not quite sure on how long we would need a “unit” to run in order for all of our students to meet their goals.
Overall I like the idea of the Grid Method. In my experience, student choice and a variety of activities have always produced a quality learning environment where students are challenged but are able to go at their own pace. I'm not sure if this is something that I would be able to incorporate long term in my PE classes but I am open to the idea of it. This may be an idea that I put into place with my PE classes during the current E-learning time. I think it would be a great option and easier to manage this way.
Adam,
ReplyDeleteI also think this would be a great fit into PE curriculum. Having students work at their own pace and having choice opens the door to an entirely different learning environment. One that can definitely be difficult to manage and difficult to get teachers to try. What are some things you see yourself doing a grid method unit? Managing small group discussions? Conferencing?
Adam- I to think the grid method could work in a P.E. setting. Having students complete certain tasks at thier own pace would be awesome. I wonder how we could manage this in a gym of 120 students or would this be more of a flipped classroom feel. Would the students complete the tasks and takes quizzes at home? It is something to discuss over the next few months that's for sure.
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