Author:
Tracy Rains
Subject:
Elementary Education, Reading Foundation Skills
Material Type:
Lesson Plan
Level:
Upper Primary
Grade:
4, 5
Tags:
  • English Language Arts
  • Illiteracy
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Text Features
  • License:
    Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial
    Language:
    English
    Media Formats:
    Downloadable docs, Interactive, Text/HTML, Video

    Problem Based Learning Module: Text Features & Illiteracy

    Problem Based Learning Module: Text Features & Illiteracy

    Overview

    In this project, you will explore a real-world problem, and then work through a series of steps to analyze that problem, research ways the problem could be solved, then propose a possible solution to that problem. Often, there are no specific right or wrong solutions, but sometimes one particular solution may be better than others. The key is making sure you fully understand the problem, have researched some possible solutions, and have proposed the solution that you can support with information / evidence.

    Begin by reading the problem statement in Step 1. Take the time to review all the information provided in the statement, including exploring the websites, videos and / or articles that are linked. Then work on steps 2 through 8 to complete this problem-based learning experience.

     

    THE PROBLEM

    STEP 1: THE PROBLEM

    Illiteracy remains a problem within the United States of America.  Illiteracy by definition is one’s inability to read or write, and according to a study conducted in late April by the U.S. Department of Education and the National Institute of Literacy, 32 million adults in the U.S. can't read. That's 14 percent of the population. Twenty-one percent of adults in the U.S. read below a 5th grade level, and 19 percent of high school graduates can't read. Reading is proven to be a fundamental skill which allows individuals to be successful in whatever endeavors they choose.   Those that read have higher GPA's, higher intelligence, and general knowledge than those that don't. In Anne E. Cunningham's paper What Reading Does for the Mind, she found that reading, in general, makes you smarter, and it keeps you sharp as you age. May 15, 2017 Click the link and see how our country compares to other countries when it comes to illiteracy. Fast Facts for Illiteracy Rates

    As you can see illiteracy is a real problem and needs a solution. One solution may be closely related to text features. It is a form of reading comprehension known as Visual Literacy.  Visual literacy is the ability to interpret, negotiate, and make meaning from information presented in the form of an image, extending the meaning of literacy, which commonly signifies interpretation of a written or printed text.  See examples linked here: Visual Literacy.  

    Problems like illiteracy require a solution, so roll up your sleeves and take the challenge of being a problem solver. Using what you know about text features and now visual literacy, how could you use text features in the fight to end illiteracy in the United States? Click the link here to see how others are taking on the fight: Taking on Illiteracy in the US.  Realize that as a problem solver you don’t have to take any approach that has already been used. Think outside the box and be creative. How could you use text features in a way that could revolutionize how we fight illiteracy in our country, and maybe one day eliminate it?  

    DEFINE THE ISSUE

    STEP 2: DEFINE THE ISSUE

    Think

    1. How could you sort/classify/categorize this problem? What type of problem is it?

    2. What is the motive/underlying theme/message?

    Do

    • Use your words to summarize the problem in 4-6 sentences.

    WHAT DO YOU KNOW

    STEP 3: WHAT DO YOU KNOW

    Think

    1. List the keywords from the case study. Put a check beside words you are familiar with prior to starting this project.

    2. Brainstorm and categorize to create a list of the significant parts of this problem.

    Do

    • Make a chart showing what you know that will help you solve the problem.

    ANALYZE THE CASE INFORMATION

    STEP 4: ANALYZE THE CASE INFORMATION

    Think

    1. Determine if the information is based on fact or opinion.

    2. Distinguish relevant/irrelevant information from the current case study and provided resources.

    3. How would you compare/contrast the constraints and opportunities of the problem?

    4. Infer and explain information that is important to the case solution, but is not explicitly stated in the case.

    Do

    • Develop and write out the problem statement in your own words.

    POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS

    STEP 5: POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS

    Think

    1. What are other possible outcomes?

    2. Analyze and explain the multiple perspectives/solutions within this case.

    3. What conclusions can you draw from your research?

    4. Generate alternative solutions.

    Do

    • Gather, organize, and interpret information from multiple sources.

    • Based on what you know, defend your preferred solution.

    RESEARCH SOLUTION

    STEP 6: RESEARCH SOLUTION

    Think

    1. Research the knowledge and data you need to support the solution and fill in missing gaps.

    2. Investigate and draw conclusions about how the preferred solution impacts the world today.

    3. What changes to your preferred solution will/have you made?

    4. What evidence justifies your solution?

    Do

    • Select decision criteria.

    • Analyze and evaluate alternatives.

    CONSTRUCT CONCLUSIONS

    STEP 7: CONSTRUCT CONCLUSIONS

    Think

    1. Review your research and develop a solution, providing supporting documentation to convince others of your solution.

    2. Decide if you will be creating an argument or a model to illustrate your solution.

    Do

    • Develop a plan/proposal with supporting documentation to convince others of your solution.

    • Make sure to include the following items in your proposal.  (Feel free to include additional information as you need to explain your solution.)

    • Describe your findings and/or recommendations.

    • List the problem statement questions.

    • Break down the data you gathered into an analysis that supports your solution(s) or recommendation(s).

    • Summarize the process you used and options considered, along with any difficulties you encountered.

    • Your presentation can be a video of yourself presenting your model or argument, or it can be an animated video using infographics and other images.

    REFLECTIONS

    STEP 8: REFLECTIONS

    Think

    1. How did you decide to…?

    2. What seemed difficult?

    3. What seemed (or eventually became) easy?

    4. If you were to do any part of this over, what would it be and how would you change it?

    5. What did you learn about the topic or about yourself during this project?

    Do

    Write a 3-5 paragraph reflection essay including these three parts:

    1. Include an introduction where you focus directly on explaining what aspect of your experiences you will discuss in the reflection.

    2. The body of the essay should explain how you have changed or what you have learned. Make certain to explain what things caused you to change.

    3. In the conclusion of a reflective essay, you should discuss how you have changed and the effect of those changes. You should share how you think the experience will change you in the future.