Contextualized Learning in Water and Wastewater Treatment CTE Michael Fritschi PE Grade V WWTPO Contextualized learning Relating instructional content to the specific contexts of students lives and interests increases interest and motivation to learn ID: 529383
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Bringing industry into the classroom
Contextualized Learning in Water and Wastewater Treatment CTEMichael Fritschi, PE, Grade V WWTPOSlide2
Contextualized learning
“Relating instructional content to the specific contexts of students lives and interests increases interest and motivation to learn” (Dirkx and Prenger
97’)Slide3
Contextualized learning
Abstraction and manipulation of symbols and theory often lead to de-contextualized learning. Slide4
Contextualized learning
Removing the “detachment” of information from the real world can be accomplished by removing traditional academic abstractions. (Re-phrased from
Resnick 87’)Slide5
Water and wastewater operations classes
Introduction/Mechanics:WAT-100 – Introduction to Water and Wastewater TreatmentWAT-180 – Analytical Methods in Water and Wastewater SystemsApplication Oriented (nuts/bolts):
WAT-140 – Operation of Drinking Water SystemsWAT-160 – Operation of Wastewater SystemsSlide6
basis of contextualized learningInvolves the student by combining Content with Context using authentic industry materials and standards.
Use real-life resources and scenarios for learningIntegrate existing skill sets into learning and performing new skillsProviding and applying multiple alternatives for solving problems
Students gain understanding through the mechanical process problem solving Slide7
Benefits of contextual learning:
The purpose of course material is understood.The transfer of knowledge is
efficient and immediately apparent. Student interest is maintained. Slide8
Components to contextualized learning
Inspiration – Encouraging participationPresentation – “Lively Lecture”
Demonstration – Mechanics Intellectual process integrated with applicationDecision making skills Culmination –
Class Projects and InternshipsSlide9
inspire!
Encourage students to integrate their own personal practical backgrounds.Lecture Discussions Build on existing skill-sets
Real World Job Flyers Define skill sets and ranges of compensation Congratulate Small successes or mini-victories
Recognize these students publicallyKeep it light – Keep it fun!Slide10
Providing a
“Lively lecture”
Relevant lecture topics. Tie learning into “real-life”.
Images of the subject matter in industryCut sheets from equipment manufacturersDrag equipment into the class room
Take less notes
Take a more active part in the lecture
Intonation of key phrases
Relate personal industry experience to the subject matter
“why do we do this?”Slide11
The “Lively lecture”
Anecdotes what students can expect in the industry “most folks really do it this way”Keep the lecture “light” and energetic
FunShow interestKey phrases or informationReiterate in different scenarios
Mechanical ApplicationFollow-up QuizzesQuestion and AnswerPreparation for field trips
Allow a “background knowledge” Slide12
Demonstrate
Illustrate the decision making process Analytical analysis tied to concrete methodology
System knowledge & Established goals. Slide13
The Math challenge:
Fall 2009 & Spring 2010 WAT-180 Class statistics 65.2% of the students have not taken a math class in over 10 years
Of those students, 63.3% have not taken a math class in over 20+ years.Water and Wastewater Operations requires alot of math!Slide14
Demonstrate
“ Non-Hate able” Math Just need a “Y”Applied math Low Theory – High practicalityRelate and accept discomfort
Remove the anxiety by mechanical practice (repetition) Find the Fun!!Technical ApparatusCalculator recommendation, low cost
Acceptable for certification examsadvanced enough for square roots, parenthesis, exponent, pi button. Slide15
demonstrate
Anecdotes used for teaching math“Mike’s rule”, “Ted’s method”“Area = bore * bore *0.785” 454 g /LB = “454 Chevy Big Block”
Dimensional analysis – lifelong toolPuts the power in the hands of the studentSlide16
Culminate
Projects –“apply what you have learned”Summarization of learning experience Ability to apply knowledge Internships – “apply what you have learned in the real world”
Ultimate Application of CTEStudents can relate their own experience Bring their experience into the classroomStudents learn from supervisors and co-workersSlide17
projects
WAT-100 Basin PlanWAT-180 Process Analysis
WAT 140 & WAT 160 Water and Wastewater State ExamsSlide18
WAT-180
Process analysisRequires student to arrange and visit a water or wastewater treatment facility
Requires student to identify the primary process components of the treatment facility How the components of the treatment facility function with each other processSlide19
WAT-180 Process analysis
Requires the student to pick one process and evaluate Process objectiveInputs and outputsHow the process is controlledWhat process data is relevant?
Ramifications of the process in success and failureSlide20
Wat-100 research Project
Requires student to research the North Coast Basin Plan.Student prepares a paper in their own words, that discusses selected topics covered in the research.
The goal is to teach the student through their own efforts Student gains a basic understanding of relevant information that directly impacts the water quality industry.Slide21
Wat-140 & WAT-160
Prepare and take State Certification Exams Encouraged to join professional organizations (network)CWEA-California Water Environment AssociationAWWA – American Water Works AssociationIndustry Conferences
Industry Specialized Training Sessions In-depth “nuts and bolts” of operationsSlide22
internships
Will try to place every student locally that has passed WAT-100 & WAT-180 Classes Designed to get students experience in the field An additional dimension to the learning experienceProvide a basis for discussion in WAT-140 & WAT-160 classesSlide23
Conclusion
CTE Students respond best to applied concepts rather than abstract ideas Apply context to content through mechanical processUtilize Existing Skill-SetsCulmination in projects and internships
Bring Industry Into the Classroom!Slide24
Questions?
Or Clarification?