GED Connection Training Module

Model #1: GED Connection as a Periodic Supplement to an Established Curriculum

In Practice

In this model, teachers use specific GED Connection resources periodically (once or twice a month) to:

• introduce new or illustrate familiar concepts and themes,
• spark discussion or activity around a particular topic, and/or
• provide students with additional practice in a subject area.

This implementation model is well-suited to teachers who want to enliven their practice with multimedia/different technologies. Teachers can mine the GED Connection products, extract useful tidbits, and use these pieces to illustrate or explore key topics with students.

Common Issues

• In order to select appropriate clips and activities, teachers must get to know GED Connection video, online, and print resources. Deciding how these resources can enhance established lessons takes time.
• Because GED Connection is such a comprehensive resource, every clip, workbook activity, and online resource is linked to complementary materials. Using a GED Connection item apart from its related resources can be challenging because teachers must situate it in a meaningful learning context.

Tips

If you are interested in trying this implementation model, the following tips might help you get started.

• Review GED Connection Resources in this training module. This list will give you a sense of the scope of the products.
• You might want to integrate video (as opposed to workbook or online materials) into your lessons first because it:
  • generally does not require a lot of detailed introduction/explanation;
  • is an engaging medium and will probably appeal to your students;
  • naturally provokes discussion and activity;
  • allows you a lot of freedom to design your own supporting materials/lessons;
  • does not require you to teach a specific set of skills (like technology competencies) before using it.
• You might want to develop a running list of GED Connection resources that you've tried and note their usefulness in particular kinds of lessons (for future reference). This list could be the beginning of a program-wide guide to using GED Connection as a periodic supplement to instruction.