EDIM 508 u03_a2: Media-Infused presentation

My Latin Translation Prezi

Looking at my Prezi, I do think that this helps to develop both the disciplined and synthesizing minds of my students. In terms of the disciplined mind, I think this prezi brings in skills that can be used not only to translate in Latin, but also reflects some of the step by step processes used in math and science as well. In my class I have students who do well in their core classes but have trouble in Latin. I think the reason for that is that for the first time since elementary school they start with a subject at square one; there are no skills to fall back on in Latin 1. When I show them that the translation process can be looked at like the scientific method or how they've learned order of operations however (I have done this presentation in more analogue formats), it often helps them grasp it better. I think this helps them not only master the skills I need them to learn but also lets them hone the skills that are valuable in other disciplines as well.

In terms of synthesis, first and foremost this prezi is a synthesis within itself: I took all of the ideas and methods of translating I know about and boiled them down into what I feel would be a good method for my students to use as they advance in Latin and the grammar becomes more difficult.

Secondly, there is a very important reason that I called my presentation "One Way to Translate Latin:" because every student creates their own methods and tips and tricks of translation. Whenever I create things like this Prezi or offer help, tips, tricks, etc, I always make sure to tell my students that this is how I think it would be the most helpful, but if you find a way that is better and/or easier for you, then do it! Having now taught for five years I have heard so many devices, sayings, tricks, etc, that I have begun to synthesize them myself. The ones that as Gardner (2008) mentions chapter three are well intentioned but that do not factually work I have thrown to the side, but the ones that have potential I will pitch to future classes. I think the synthesizing mind is extremely valuable especially to students in the middle and high school setting; if we train them to synthesize the right information the right way we can really prepare them for the future and give them an edge other students may not have.

References

Gardner, H. (2008). Five minds for the future. Boston, Mass: Harvard Business School Press.