THE KINESTHETIC CLASSROOM

During the fourth marking period at Warwick Middle School seventh grade Technology Education students learn how to safely solder electronic components to a printed circuit board (PCB). Unfortunately, they quickly forget the three important steps in successful soldering including solder, cut and cool (SCC). To aid better comprehension of soldering techniques and the tools and processes associated with building an electronic project students will now utilize kinesthetic motions to improve knowledge retention.

The activity changes include the following:

1. While watching the Technology Education instructor demonstrate proper soldering techniques students will learn and perform how to sign the SCC steps for successful soldering. Signing motions were found at the aslpro.com website. Variations could include having students tell the instructor how to solder safely by signing the appropriate procedures while the instructor performs the tasks dictated by the students; or students could also sign the procedures while a peer performs the tasks.
   
2. In the lab, students will be required to perform the tasks learned during the soldering demonstration. In order to alleviate stress and improve soldering fluidity students will be asked to stop working, move to the outside of the classroom and walk clockwise around the perimeter of the room while stepping to ...solder, ...cut and ...cool. Breaks should occur approximately every 20 minutes. Variations could include signing SCC with each step; increasing or decreasing the volume; or changing direction (counterclockwise/steping backwards).
3. After completing the circuit assembly process students use power tools to mount the PCB to an acrylic base. While demonstrating this process students will learn to sign the safety precautions associated with tool machine usage including wearing safety glasses, hand placement, hair management and clothing control. Signing motions were found at the aslpro.com website. Variations could include having students tell the instructor how to work the machine safely by signing the appropriate procedures while the instructor performs the tasks dictated by the students; or students could also sign the procedures while a peer performs the tasks.
4. Students will stand while reviewing the information learned in the above lessons. Variations could include the students performing the signing learned during the demonstration; or choosing review content with a partner, finding the sign equivalent and signing the information to the class.

The fourth marking period is always a challenging time of the year to get students motivated to learn. However kinesthetic actions highlighted above help students to keep on learning even when summer vacation is around the corner.