Generating+&+Testing+Hypotheses

=Read and Reflect=

The purpose of asking students to solve problems is to help them think! Students learn skills to think through problems…by using strategies learned in the classroom. They are able to think step by step to try to find the correct answer or at least try different hypotheses.
 * __Problem Solving__**

Since I teach Spanish, my problem solving skills have to do with helping students decipher a foreign language in the easiest and most effective method. I have them think about cognates and using clues in the sentences, rather than try to look up every single word in a dictionary, which is very time consuming. Problem solving is also a school wide initiative. I introduce cross curricular activities like social studies, science and even math!

Question: Besides what I already do in my classroom, are there other suggestions on how to use problem solving in a foreign language classroom?

The purpose of asking students to use experimental inquiry is to practice making inferences and using prior knowledge. Students are able to make inferences in science and math classes. They observe something and come up with theories or rules that make sense.
 * __Experimental Inquiry__**

The only experimental inquiry I believe I use in my classroom is when I ask students if they see any patterns in Spanish grammar. Lately we have been conjugating verbs and I ask if they see any patterns with previous verbs. It is highly discouraged to compare the target language to English because it gets students to think that the target language should follow English rules.

Question: How else could I use experimental inquiry in my classroom?

The purpose of using historical investigation in the classroom is so students can create their theories and hypotheses regarding questionable historical events. Students practice using facts to create a plausible resolution.
 * __Historical Investigation__**

We do study Mexican history and culture. This is where I would use historical investigation. I will introduce the history behind Cinco de Mayo soon and this is where I would use this strategy. There are different theories about how a small, inexperienced and ill-equipped Mexican Army beat a highly experienced and well prepared French Army at the Battle of Puebla. Students hopefully come up with their own theories using the facts presented in class.

Question: Is there other ways to use historical investigation in the Spanish classroom?

Insights: Besides the ideas I have written about here, I am pretty stumped on how to effectively use any of these methods in the classroom. Most of the examples in the book are about math and science.

=Apply and Reflect=



1. What is the average temperature in Mazatlan, Mexico? 2. What other cities in Mexico have similar temperatures? = =