InfoGraphic Success

I'm always looking to try something new … immediately and before I quite know what I'm doing. In any event, I assigned infoGraphics to my students this week. And all in all, it was FANTASTIC. There was also a stark difference between my Freshman and Juniors and Seniors. The older kids immediately understood what they were doing, sat down, did some research, sketched out their plans, and produced a fairly thought out product.

The freshman … oh the freshman. A colleague pointed out that according to Piaget, they are concrete thinkers. I agree. They are as thick as a brick at times. But, after awhile, I was able to explain what I wanted and they actually did some nice stuff.

In addition to their infographic, they had to present it to the class in order to work on their public speaking skills. I asked them to write a narrative. It's still a work in progress.

While the presentations were being made, students had to take notes and then write a question for discussion that either followed changes over time or the Essential Question (How did Western Expansion fulfill and solidify the idea of American Exceptionalsim for USH and How does Egyptian society impact society today for World History). They turned in their questions at the end of the lesson.

The students really enjoyed the challenge of using images and were able to explain the purpose of their work to me (as I had explained it to them).

1. A person sees a visual and hears you speaking. They connect the visual to wha you said. 
2. They are taking notes, another way to learn, another part of the brain being used, and a way to remember stuff.
3. They are writing and then discussing two types of questions that allow them to expand the though process.

All in all, it has been a really good exercise for students.