Original Lesson: 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1U6Of7YkxSwjfl6Ookw_DTWKj0WlrFC5XC6gUR-SXI4A/edit

Redesigned Lesson 

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1lus2ngzQnJRc01wNvg1uWERvUqaBSnaeuKA3_jd8kbw/edit

Reflection on Original and Redesigned American Revolution Lessons:

Original Lesson:

• Strengths:
• Provides a clear and structured overview of the American Revolution, ensuring students receive foundational knowledge about key events, figures, and causes.
• Offers a traditional assessment format (worksheet) that efficiently tests basic recall and comprehension.
• Requires minimal preparation time and resources, making it easy to implement in various classroom settings.
• Weaknesses:
• Lecture-based format can be monotonous and disengaging for some learners, leading to passive participation and limited knowledge retention.
• Fails to cater to diverse learning styles, primarily relying on auditory and visual input through lecture and textbook reading.
• Limited assessment options (worksheet) restrict the opportunity for students to demonstrate their understanding in different ways.
• Does not foster deeper critical thinking or analysis beyond basic recall.

Redesigned Lesson:

• Strengths:
• UDL Principles: Embraces Universal Design for Learning by offering multiple means of representation (text, visuals, audio, interactive), engagement (choice, collaboration, real-world connections), and action/expression (essays, projects, presentations).
• Accessibility: Provides options for students with varying abilities and learning preferences, allowing them to access and engage with the content in ways that suit their individual needs.
• Engagement: Incorporates interactive elements like ThingLink and Padlet, offering a more dynamic and stimulating learning experience. Choice in activities and assessments further enhances student motivation.
• Authenticity: Connects learning to real-world contexts through simulations, virtual tours, and primary sources, making the content more meaningful and relevant.
• Deeper Learning: Encourages critical thinking, analysis, and creativity by providing opportunities for students to interpret, evaluate, and create their own representations of knowledge.
• Weaknesses:
• Planning and Preparation: Requires more upfront planning and preparation time compared to the original lesson.
• Overwhelm: The abundance of choices and resources might overwhelm some students, especially those who prefer more structured guidance.
• Technology Dependence: Relies on access to technology and a stable internet connection, which may not be available in all learning environments.

Digital Tools:

• ThingLink: This tool aligns with UDL’s multiple means of representation by providing various ways to access content. Its interactive nature allows students to explore at their own pace and delve deeper into topics of interest, catering to different learning styles and preferences.
• Padlet: Supports UDL’s multiple means of action and expression by enabling students to share their learning in various formats (text, images, videos). It fosters collaboration and communication, encourages active engagement, and creates a sense of community.

Overall Impact:

The redesigned lesson demonstrates a significant improvement over the original in terms of engagement, accessibility, and alignment with UDL principles. While it requires more preparation and technology access, its potential to foster deeper understanding, critical thinking, and authentic learning experiences outweighs its limitations. The Kirkpatrick Model will be instrumental in evaluating the effectiveness of this redesign at multiple levels, providing valuable insights for further refinement and optimization. Evaluation Model:

I would choose the Kirkpatrick Model to evaluate the effectiveness of this learning activity. This model assesses learning at four levels:

1. Level 1: Reaction

• Focus: Gauging student satisfaction and engagement with the learning experience.
• Evaluation Methods:
• Surveys: Administer a post-lesson survey asking students to rate their enjoyment of the activity, the relevance of the resources, and their overall level of engagement.
• Observations: Note student participation, enthusiasm, and level of involvement during discussions and activities.
• Informal Feedback: Encourage students to share their thoughts and feelings about the lesson verbally or in written form.
• Sample Questions:
• Did you enjoy learning about the American Revolution using a variety of resources?
• Which activities were most interesting to you?
• Did you feel like you had enough choice and control over your learning?

1. Level 2: Learning

• Focus: Assessing the extent to which students have acquired knowledge and understanding of the American Revolution.
• Evaluation Methods:
• Quizzes: Design quizzes to assess factual knowledge of key events, figures, and causes.
• Essays: Assign essays that require students to analyze and interpret information, compare and contrast perspectives, or evaluate the significance of events.
• Creative Projects: Assess the quality and accuracy of student-created historical character profiles, museum exhibits, songs, poems, or stories.
• Sample Questions:
• What were the main causes of the American Revolution?
• Explain the significance of the Boston Tea Party.
• How did the Declaration of Independence impact the course of the Revolution?

1. Level 3: Behavior

• Focus: Examining if the learning experience has led to changes in students’ attitudes, beliefs, or behaviors related to the topic.
• Evaluation Methods:
• Observations: Note changes in student participation in class discussions, willingness to share opinions, and ability to respectfully debate differing perspectives.
• Class Discussions: Facilitate discussions where students can express their views on the Revolution and its legacy.
• Reflective Journals: Encourage students to write about their personal reflections and insights gained from the lesson.
• Sample Questions:
• How has your understanding of the American Revolution changed after this lesson?
• Do you feel more empathetic towards the experiences of people who lived during this time?
• What lessons can we learn from the American Revolution that are still relevant today?

1. Level 4: Results

• Focus: Determining the long-term impact of the lesson on student achievement and overall learning outcomes.
• Evaluation Methods:
• Grades: Compare students’ overall grades in social studies before and after the unit.
• Standardized Test Scores: Analyze any relevant standardized test scores to see if there are improvements in social studies knowledge and skills.
• Long-term Projects: Assign research papers or presentations on related topics later in the year to assess sustained understanding.
• Sample Questions:
• Did student performance on social studies assessments improve after this unit?
• Did students demonstrate a deeper understanding of historical concepts and events?
• Did the unit contribute to overall student growth and development in social studies?