Thursday, June 9, 2011

The ASSURE Model: Ensuring Effective Lessons


The ASSURE Model
Lesson planning is an essential aspect of education and is the primary role of teachers. Proper lesson planning is the best way to provide effective learning opportunities for students in the classroom. Lesson planning becomes even more important as teachers determine how to incorporate different technology resources within the curriculum. An instructional model provides a step-by-step guide for planning lessons. There are a variety of models available for teachers to use, but one that textbook Integrating Technology and Digital Media in the Classroom recommends is the ASSURE Model.
The ASSURE Model is built upon six basic steps that should be developed to create well-developed instructional lesson that incorporates technology
and media. These steps are outlined below and can be found using the following websites for additional information:



1. Analyze the Learner
In this step of the model teachers must first analyze the general characteristics of the class. The teacher must also understand the students as learners including what prior knowledge they may have and what learning styles might best work for these students.

2. State Objectives
This step outlines the basic outcomes that are expected of students at the end of the lesson. It is important to be sure that these fit with the curriculum standards set by the state or school district. These objectives are often written in an ABCD format:
  • A = Audience - Who are specific learners that the objectives are intended for?
  • B = Behavior - What specific skills should the learner be able to perform as the end result?
  • C = Conditions - This specifies what setting and tools the learner will be working in or with.
  • D = Degree - This describes the level to which students skills should be at the end of the instruction.
The following are examples of objective provided from the previously mentioned websites:


3. Select Methods, Media, and Materials
Here the teacher will decide what materials are needed for the lesson, the textbook outlines this step using three procedures: 1) Decide on the method of instruction, 2) Choose the media format that is appropriate for the method, 3) Select, modify, update or design materials for the instruction. During this step teachers may also check the availability of materials in their building or district.

4. Utilize Methods, Media, and Materials
During this step in the model, teacher will first begin by preparing materials for the lesson. Teacher who have worked with technology know that there can and will be "kinks" that should be worked out as best as possible prior to instruction. In this step teachers may also formulate a plan for how to demonstrate the materials as well as how students will utilize materials.

5. Require Learner Participation
This is the step that plans how students will be engaged in the lesson. What activities, projects, or grouping will engage students in the lesson. Each piece of this step should fit with the objectives for the lesson and support student learning and understanding.

6. Evaluate and Revise
This step allows for teachers to not only determine an evaluation of knowledge students gained, but also how effective the lesson was. Teachers can use their evaluations to make revisions for future use and increased effectiveness of the lesson.


Utilizing the ASSURE Model
Reflecting and searching for ways that teachers can use the ASSURE Model when building their lessons I found the following video which outlines the use of the Model in a professional development training on wikis for teachers. Using this Model can provide teachers a way to build creative and powerful lessons that integrate the use of technology in the classroom.



The ASSURE Model in My Classroom: CAD Instruction for Fashion Design

1. Analyze the Learner
For this first step, I like to get to know my students first. I may begin class with an evaluation or a pre-quiz to test student prior knowledge of computers and work with other CAD programs. Usually this may ask students to list and describe the other computer classes they have taken while in school. This knowledge gives me an idea of what experiences my students have had and where I may need to begin with instruction. I also try to determine at this point what learning styles work best for my students. I always incorporate a variety of learning style methods within my lessons, but it is good to know individual student strengths and where they may have difficulty.

2. State Objectives
Student objectives for this lesson is that the class will learn the tools for using CAD software to create fashion designs. By the end of the lesson students will be able to perform CAD tool functions so that they may be used in lessons throughout the semester.

3. Select Methods, Media, and Materials
For this lesson I will be incorporating the use of a PC computer lab that is equipped with a mounted LCD projector and SMART board. We will also be using CAD software that is paired with a Software called Instant Designer that is used for designing fashions.

4. Utilize Methods, Media, and Materials
Throughout the lesson the LCD and SMART Board will be utilized for demonstrations and student practice using the CAD software. Students will also be using the software to practice and demonstrate their knowledge.

5. Require Learner Participation
Throughout the lesson students will keep an e-notebook for each of the CAD commands. Students will also create several small projects throughout the lesson to show their ability to use the software. Small students groups will create reviews and tutorials to present CAD functions to the class. Students will compile all of this information into a class portfolio that will be built upon as the class continues.

6. Evaluate and Revise
At the conclusion of the lesson students will evaluate their work and complete peer evaluations using designed rubrics. As the instructor I will also use rubrics to evaluate their work throughout the lesson and for their final portfolio. I also evaluate the unit itself and revise any issues when necessary.

1 comment:

  1. Heather I think it is great how you make sure students are engaging within the class by honing in on their prior knowledge and designing you lessons to facilitate the various learning styles within your classroom. I like how you have found a web media, CAD, for your students to analyze and use within the classroom. This Assure Model explanation was a great eye-opener thank you for sharing the details of this media presentation.

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