Level of Familiarity 3
What is it?
Zooming in and Zooming out is a framework for situating a concept within the larger context and focusing on specific details related to the concept (Harmon & Hedrick, 2000). The Zooming in portion of the strategy includes most important information, least important information and things the concept will not do. Zooming out consists of a summary statement, similar things, and related concepts.
Why use it?
This strategy will specifically help my students understand how Franklin Delano Roosevelt relates to the Great Depression. Using Zooming in and Zooming out will highlight the importance of F.D.R. in U.S. history and will also highlight the positive affects he had on the U.S. In addition, the components of the strategy will help my students remember and comprehend the section in the reading about F.D.R.
When use it?
This strategy is usually introduced before reading and the graphic organizer is completed after reading. This strategy should be used purposefully and for key concepts in a unit. Zooming in and Zooming out is a content specific strategy which works best with social studies concepts (Harmon & Hedrick, 2000). For my students, I would like to scaffold their learning by introducing the components of the strategy, reading the passage, and then begin the brainstorming and completion of the organizer. I want my students to be able to feel confident enough to offer ideas for the brainstorming portion of the strategy.
How it works?
- I will introduce the Zooming in and Zooming out strategy to my students. I will go over the components and remind students to be thinking of the different sections while they listen and read on their own.
- I will read the passage to students about F.D.R so that they will have some background knowledge about him before reading on their own.
- As a class, we will brainstorm what we know about the topic and I will write it on the board.
- Students will read the same passage to themselves.
- I will discuss the differences between most important versus least important information.
- Students will work in pairs to brainstorm what is the most important/least important information and write it on their worksheet.
- As a class, we will brainstorm what is similar to F.D.R. and his life. I will ask students: Who does F.D.R. remind you of? What does his life make you think of?
- I will then direct students to respond to the phrase: You cannot think of F.D.R without thinking of _____________. (Related ideas, events, or people section)
- Finally, I will direct students to discuss possible summary statements with their partners. After which we will create a summary statement as a class.
- I will refer to our graphic organizer throughout the lessons related to F.D.R. and we will add to the appropriate sections.
What it looks like:
Name: ______________________________________ Zooming in/Zooming out
Case Study: Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Ch. 25, Section 1
Zooming out...
Zooming Out...
