Implementation

This Implementation course takes a beginning approach with kindergarten students on the process of research-based writing in a fun and step-by-step manner. Through this multi-module course, students take their first steps in conducting simple research to gather information from different text sources such as books, websites, and experts. Then, they organize that information into order and create an informational text. Emphasis will also be paid to writing, including revising, editing, and sharing one's work with others.

Components that have shaped this course include:
 

• A blended learning approach integrates the classroom teaching method with student-centered learning activities.

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  There are opportunities for students to make sure they are collaborating and receiving feedback from teachers and peers.

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  A focus on building early writing skills through digital resources and tools, promoting creativity and critical thinking.

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  A final module dedicated to celebrating and sharing the students’ research projects with the class and their families.

• This course fosters independent learning while ensuring strong support from the teacher and family involvement, making the learning process fun and educational for young students.

 

Instructional Design Approach.

The Instructional Design Online Learn course has enabled us to reveal a solution to the emerging needs of our students in the first instance. We can make an analysis based on an instructional design approach that was utilized in this course. The course will adopt a blended learning approach, combining face-to-face teaching with online learning components. This model will allow flexibility and cater to different learning preferences and needs. The approach is a response to a new social context in which the need for a renewed pedagogical model emerges that will link technological and social change to educational innovation. This can be an effective solution for the lack of motivation about writing in kindergarten: the opportunity to integrate traditional teaching methods with digital tools.

 

Student-Centered Learning

This would be more student-centered since it contains tactics to promote intrinsic motivation and involves the blended learning model. By allowing students to select research topics and having a degree of freedom in the actual writing process, perhaps an increased level of interest and engagement could be garnered.

However, a more hybrid approach might be possible with kindergarten: student-centered but still with very clear teacher guidance. Children at this age level still require structure, so the teacher sets very clear frameworks but allows space for students to explore and learn.

 

Instructor’s Role.

Considering the specific particularities of kindergarten students, a combination of facilitator, mentor, and coach would be most appropriate. Facilitator to create opportunities for self-directed learning. Mentor to provide personalized support (small group, one-on-one). Coach to keep up spirits and help students overcome challenges.

The presenter's role is also essential for introducing critical concepts. Still, it might be more limited to the early phases of the course, such as when introducing digital tools or explaining what research is.

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Blended Learning Environment

They would have ample time for face-to-face interaction, which is essential for any young child. They could directly support and supervise them. They would do independent projects from the classroom by accessing online resources. Integrating manipulative materials with technology can be more interactive and motivating for kindergarten students. 

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The kindergarten-level Research Writing course attempts to integrate the needs of young learners and their families by balancing synchronous and asynchronous collaboration. About 70% of collaboration is synchronous, involving live sessions during which students interact with the teacher and fellow students in real-time. The main foci are group discussions, guided writing activities, and feedback given in real-time. The other 30% will be asynchronous, where students can work independently through the course material, writing prompts, and interactive activities. The asynchronous parts allow students to go through the content with guidance from the family and work on their research and writing projects when they best fit their schedule.
This mix ensures that students get real-life support during independent work and, hence, also builds up collaborative learning skills and responsibility for self-directed learning.

 

Building a Learning Community

We will create our learning community by introducing ourselves, playing games, and doing activities to get acquainted with one another and feel comfortable in the classroom. We shall also do small group work to explore our ideas and share what we learn. I want everyone's thoughts and feelings valued and heard, and I always feel encouraged to share my thoughts and support each other.

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Addressing Learner Needs

Throughout the “Kindergarten Research Writing” course, we will address the needs of students, which involves providing academic, emotional, and technological support. Since students are just beginning to use digital tools, the technology is accessible (everyone has an iPad) with a user-friendly design. The course includes tutorials on Schoology and Skyward platforms for parents. In other words, it consists of the digital tools introduced through videos and step-by-step guides in a child-friendly manner. We will also provide printable resources if unlimited internet access is available to students. Such differentiated instruction, offering graduate levels of activities and steps, and graphic organizers allow the student to progress at his or her rate. It helps build a supportive and participatory atmosphere for students to explore and express ideas safely. We created a session within each module called “Family. Raise your VOICE,” which is an excellent opportunity to use positive feedback and encourage participation. This way, throughout the course, we will support students comprehensively and safely in achieving success.

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​Course Structure Overview

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