ASSURE Model

The ASSURE Model, according to Shelly, Cashman, Gunter & Gunter (p344, 5th edition), is an instructional model created by Heinich, Molenda, Russell, and Smaldino that is a guide for planning instruction or a lesson. There are however, a number of instructional models that may be used when designing a lesson such as ADDIE, Kempt, Diamond and so forth. As I have looked into most of these, I found that they are very similar in purpose and have many of the same steps. Integrating Technology and Digital Media in the Classroom focuses on the ASSURE Model.

There are six steps included in the ASSURE Model. They are:

1. Analyze the Learner

2. State Objectives

3. Select Methods, Media, and Materials

4. Utilize Methods, Media, and Materials

5. Require Learner Participation

6. Evaluate and Revise

"The ASSURE Model is an instructional model used by educators to develop technology-enriched lessons" (p344, 5th edition). For more information on the ASSURE Model, I have included this video that gives detailed information and instruction for educators.

There are many, many possible lessons that can be created with the ASSURE Model. The following is a lesson I created for my American Literature class.

Lesson: Huck Finn research Paper

1. Analyze the Learner: Who are the learners? What are their skill levels? What are their learning styles?----In my classroom, my students are predominately Caucasian, from middle class families, with involved parents according to our district records. They are all 11th graders. While they are at varied skill levels, most students in my class are academically average or above. Out of 140 students, I have 8 in the Special Education Program and accommodations and modifications are employed. There are several different learning styles in each class ranging from Kinesthetic, oral, and visual. While teaching, I never use just one approach because of the different learning styles and objectives for the lesson. Because not all students have the same technology skills, before complete our research paper, our school librarian gives each 11th grade class a computer basics and beginners research class (2days).

2. State Objectives: What do you want the learners to gain knowledge of? What are the specific learner outcomes?----Curricular Standard Objective> Students will be able to demonstrate through reading, writing, speaking, and listening that the novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn was a social commentary by Mark Twain about the Reconstructionist South and that some critics assert the ending is flawed and the novel is essentially racist. Lesson Objective> Find credible and relevant sources to help guide and support thesis, Synthesize information into manageable and usable material, Organize information to clearly convey thesis, Create a personal opinion about the thesis question based upon the novel and the researched literary criticism, Use specific quotes from the novel and the criticism to support your personal assertion, Use the six traits of writing, use the writing process, and Use standard MLA citation.

3. Select Methods, Media, and Material: What methods of instruction will you use? Which media are appropriate? Which material will you need?----Students will use a vast array of media and material. Students typically use print, internet, computer lab, computers, instructions, zip/flash drives or other memory storage devices, media center, ERIC, EBSCO, and other online sources. While they do use media to gain information and ideas, it is not used to present any material as this is a research paper, not a presentation. There are many methods a teacher may use to teach this lesson. Amongst the methods I typically use is the Socratic Seminar, lab, practice, and instructor led. By using the multiple methods, I can reach more learners, engage the students through discussion, evaluate understanding, and demonstrate task.

4. Utilize Methods, Media, and Material: How will you use the methods and media? How will you use the materials? What is your instructional strategy?----As stated above, the librarian prepares students for computer lab and research use through direction instruction and demonstration including how to use EBSCO and other online sources such as YouTube, .gov, and .edu (this is actually a refresher for most students as they have this training in 9th and 10th grade). Through weeks of seminar lecture and discussion, students are prepared to give an opinion, synthesize information, and organize essay. As the instruction, I schedule several days in the lab to research and compose essays.

5. Require Learner Participation: What will the learner be required to do? Will the learners engage in active or passive learning?----Because the Web is being used, guidelines are given to the students (as suggested in our books). They are provide required elements for the research paper and a grading rubric. I try to make their research and writing engaging and active by pulling up examples on my smart board, provide previous students work, group discussion and individual conferencing.

6. Evaluate and Revise: Did the lesson meet the objectives? How will you evaluate content and technologies used? How will you revise and improve?----Because a rubric for scoring is provided before completion of the assignment, I use the rubric for evaluating the student and as part of the evaluation process for the lesson. As we all have different students every year, what works for one set of students, may not work for another set. Evaluating my lesson and assignment needs not only personal reflection of delivery and goals, but also student evaluation. When this is looked at, the rubric, instruction, and delivery method may need to be change to improve student outcome.

The ASSURE Model not only provides an instructional model for educators to follow when creating lessons, but also includes an evaluation process for the teacher, students and lesson. Most successful and "good" teachers are reflective on their practices. Revision is part of the process. Using this model can help you in your endeavor of being a insightful, and successful teacher leading the profession.

The following is an example of a Webquest an English teacher created using the ASSURE Model.

http://www.nelliemuller.com/ASSURE.Instructional.Unit.The.Giver.htm

Another valuable site I was able to find numerous other sources using the ASSURE Model can be found at http://clifmims.wetpaint.com/page/Lesson+Plan+Models