Macrochunking & Inverting the Learning Pyramid: Lessons from Our Second ALG Textbook Transformation Grant
This presentation, given with Dr. Dee McKinney on April 14, 2019, at the University System of Georgia Teaching & Learning Conference in Athens, GA, details a new technique for instructional design - applying the Alexandra Sokoloff screenwriting method to organizing course materials. Using our new techniques of macrochunking (creating thematic units for a Western Civilization course in lieu of a linear, timeline focus) and using an inverted learning pyramid (choosing unit themes, then subtopics of events, primary sources, locations, and intellectual ideas, to illustrate that theme), this course was redesigned using the Sokoloff method as part of Affordable Learning Georgia's Textbook Transformation Grants which fund the creation of low to no-cost course materials for college courses.
Recommended
More Related Content
Similar to Macrochunking & Inverting the Learning Pyramid: Lessons from Our Second ALG Textbook Transformation Grant
Similar to Macrochunking & Inverting the Learning Pyramid: Lessons from Our Second ALG Textbook Transformation Grant (20)
More from Katie Shepard
More from Katie Shepard (9)
Recently uploaded
Recently uploaded (20)
Macrochunking & Inverting the Learning Pyramid: Lessons from Our Second ALG Textbook Transformation Grant
- 1. Macrochunking & Inverting the Learning Pyramid: Lessons from Our Second ALG Textbook Transformation Grant
- 2. Presenters Dr. Dee McKinney Associate Dean for eLearning, Professor of History & Katie Shepard, Librarian
- 3. Before • 10 units, with about 60 specific learning outcomes. • History pretty much marched along in time, little connection between units. • 13 broad learning outcomes determined by department. • 10 discussions, 10 quizzes based on book chapters, 2 exams crammed into 16 weeks. • Exams: Largely memorization.
- 4. After • 6-7 units, with about 30 specific learning outcomes. • Several lessons "linked" thematically, rather than temporally. • 13 broad learning outcomes as determined by department. • 6-7 discussions, 20 quizzes, 1 major exam, 1 open-book exam. • Discussions tend to focus on overarching themes, using primary source readings rather than a general textbook. • Quizzes based on videos. • Second exam requires 2 questions pulling directly from course resources, focus on connections.
- 5. Macrochunking & Inverted Pyramid Big Picture Themes Themes Specific Events/Ideas/Lessons
- 6. The Sokoloff Method • Based on screenwriting. • 3 acts, 8 major scenes, 2 minor climaxes, 1 major climax. • We saw immediate application in storyboarding a course. • http://www.screenwritingtricks.com/2012/10/nanowrimo-prep-index-card-method-and.html
- 7. Sokoloff Method: Spider-Man’s Hero Story • ACT 1 • P.P. bitten by radioactive spider • ACT 2 • Spider-Man discovers his strength • Spider-Man learns how to use his powers • Preliminary fight with nemesis • ACT 3 • Research/investigate nemesis • Prepare for fight • Climax 1 • Uncle Ben dies, Hero's Journey begins • Climax 2 • Someone Spider-Man cares for is put into danger (The Dependent Non-Player Character) • Spider-Man loses a fight • Finale • Big fight with nemesis • Spider-Man wins the big fight • Spider-Man saves loved one
- 8. Sokoloff Method: HIST 1112 • ACT 1 • Colonialism & Hegemony • ACT 2 • Paradigm Shifts • Classicism > Romanticism • Superstition > Scientific Thinking • ACT 3 • Globalization & Interconnected World • Climax 1 • Modernity • Climax 2 • Technology • Finale • Seeking Marginalized Voices
- 9. The Sokoloff Method • Your turn! • Given the themes and specific climaxes, write some events, locations, or primary/secondary sources to fit the themes. • We have a few learning objectives on hand if you need prompts. • Don't be afraid to write, re-write, and move notes around.
- 10. Contact Information Ms. Katie Shepard, kshepard@ega.edu Dr. Dee McKinney, dmckinney@ega.edu