The exploration of validity has been extended into Science and Math classes for my grade 6 students.
In Science this week, a few of my students had a first hand experience of why assessing validity is important, of why they must seek multiple, reputable sources of information and think critically about what they view.
Their current unit of study in Science is space. Two of my students wondered how many times the moon would fit into the sun. One pulled out his Ipad and they set to work. Their first instinct was to turn to Wikipedia. They found an answer and showed it to Ms. Swartz. The class has already had numerous discussions concerning Wikipedia and its lack of reliability. Ms. Swartz directed them to confirm the information. From a second source, they found a different answer. This, of course, led to a discussion of validity. The students realized that they would have to check multiple sources before accepting either result as valid. It turned out that the information on Wikipedia is wrong. It was a good learning experience.
On a side note, a few IP addresses from my school are blocked from changing information on Wikipedia. Last year during a lesson on Wikipedia, students learned why they cannot trust it. A teacher demonstrated how easy it is to change information on the site. Two students took this lesson to heart and, unbeknownst to the teacher, engaged in a free for all updating of Wikipedia. They had great fun until Wikipedia finally blocked access.
In Science this week, a few of my students had a first hand experience of why assessing validity is important, of why they must seek multiple, reputable sources of information and think critically about what they view.
Their current unit of study in Science is space. Two of my students wondered how many times the moon would fit into the sun. One pulled out his Ipad and they set to work. Their first instinct was to turn to Wikipedia. They found an answer and showed it to Ms. Swartz. The class has already had numerous discussions concerning Wikipedia and its lack of reliability. Ms. Swartz directed them to confirm the information. From a second source, they found a different answer. This, of course, led to a discussion of validity. The students realized that they would have to check multiple sources before accepting either result as valid. It turned out that the information on Wikipedia is wrong. It was a good learning experience.
On a side note, a few IP addresses from my school are blocked from changing information on Wikipedia. Last year during a lesson on Wikipedia, students learned why they cannot trust it. A teacher demonstrated how easy it is to change information on the site. Two students took this lesson to heart and, unbeknownst to the teacher, engaged in a free for all updating of Wikipedia. They had great fun until Wikipedia finally blocked access.
I have a little different take on Wikipedia. The information on there is usually accurate, and I consider it a good resource when I'm looking for information on my own. Still, I would rather teach student to deal with more "primary" resources because they are more valid, even if they are not more accurate.
ReplyDeleteThis year I taught my students to use social bookmarking sites like Delicious and Diigo as search engines. That worked extremely well.
You're right Gary. Wikipedia is useful. I don't want my students to take the easy way out and only rely on one source of information. This is key to developing solid critical thinking skills.
ReplyDelete