GAME Over!

Reflection: Final Blog Post


Developing a GAME plan seemed like an artificial exercise to me at first; just another way to do the same thing. However, as I paid attention and went through the process, I noticed that although goal setting and monitoring are steps I often take in planning lessons, I didn’t have a systematic approach. The GAME plan approach is easy to follow, makes sense, and is user friendly. With it in mind, I found that I was able to think through several teaching ideas and devise procedures for my students that seem to work better.

Using the GAME plan impacts my teaching because lesson delivery, monitoring, and assessments will be more timely and systematic. I also envision teaching my students to use it as they set personal writing and reading goals. With this in place, students have a way to monitor their learning on their own. Being able to see the path knowing where you are and where you need to go creates self-directed learning habits that apply to schoolwork and life in general.

I have made adjustments to my instructional practice as a result of my learning in this course. I’m adjusting curriculum documents to include technology. These additions enhance and extend the locate and state standards I must teach since they bring in more student engagement and interest. I plan to continue adjusting and enhancing. The next step is to share these ideas with other teachers in my building so that more students receive the extensions to their learning. I’ve learned a lot in this course and from my colleagues and hope to continue learning new strategies for innovation.

GAME Plan and Students

     The GAME plan process is to set goals, take action, monitor the goals and actions, evaluate and extend. In the classroom, this step-by-step process can help students individualize their learning. For instance, when teaching the writing process, a teacher could have students review their writing portfolios and make a list of areas needing improvement. Each student could create his/her own GAME plan to improve writing skills. A possible scenario might be that the student sets a goal of two or less errors in punctuation in the next several writing assignments. As students write each assignment, they pay particular attention to the punctuation error types on their list. At the end of a designated period or the end of a quarter, students chart their scores and evaluate teacher comments. If progress has been made, the student moves on to another area of need or to an area of enrichment. The GAME plan can be implemented for the next step.


     Teaching students to implement GAME plans creates reflective, self-directed learners which to me is teaching an important life skill.

More monitoring

So far, my Wiki experience is a little frustrating…the class wikis are set up, the handouts and explanations are ready to go, the computers are reserved, the students are excited, I’ve set up their accounts and passwords, and eureka! Their access is denied!


I had an emergency plan ready (just in case) and, unfortunately, I used it! I have been in contact with the site managers, so I’m still hopeful that things will be ironed out by tomorrow, but I have a back-up plan ready again just in case.

Based on the NETS-T, I still need to work on technology operations and concepts. I love all of the ideas, but I’m still not skilled enough to know what to do when a problem occurs. I am getting better, but there’s a long way to go. My approach to the need to increase my technology skills is to give different products a try.

And the GAME goes on...

How effective were your actions in helping you meet your goals?


What have you learned so far that you can apply in your instructional practice?

What do you still have to learn? What new questions have arisen?

How will you adjust your plan to fit your current needs?


Last week I talked about creating classroom wikis.  Permission slips have been distributed and I'm waiting to get them back.  Honestly, I thought the kids would be so excited to have this opportunity. The permissions are dribbling in rather slowly.  In reality, I think I am the one who is excited...they blog/text/IM/ect. already so this will probably be "old hat" to them.  I'm the one who's new to the game! 

Anyway, I still need to play (learn) with the wiki before its maiden voyage next week.  Everyone who has used one seems so happy with the experience and says how easy they are to use.  I hope this is true!  A new question:  on a wiki, can you hide the discussion application? Can you delete discussion posts?  That's something I need to find out. 

Although I am a bit apprehensive about this project, I am very excited as well.  Learning about the new technologies and using them with my classes has added interest and engagement for me as well!