Patent Publication Number: US-2003232316-A1

Title: Method and system of planning for and analyzing results of lessons incorporating standardized student learning objectives

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001] 1. Field of the Invention  
       [0002] The present invention relates to a method and system of planning for and analyzing results of lessons incorporating standardized student learning objectives for use in connection with assisting instructors in preparing and assessing lessons that both meet students&#39; learning needs and prepare them for standardized testing. The method and system of planning for and analyzing results of lessons incorporating standardized student learning objectives has particular utility in connection with giving teachers the ability to plan integrated lesson units or individual lessons while planning lessons based on standardized objectives while monitoring students&#39; comprehension of lessons to allow for modifications to lesson plans when modifications are necessary as shown by lesson analysis feature of the present invention.  
       [0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art  
       [0004] Methods of planning for and analyzing results of lessons incorporating standardized student learning objectives are desirable to assist instructors and students in covering all learning materials necessary to meet state-wide educational standards and standardized learning requirements.  
       [0005] The use of methods of planning for lessons is known in the prior art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,135,662 to Bakke et al discloses a lesson planner that includes a foldable notebook containing a series of transparent lesson plan retaining sheets for supporting lesson planning card. However, the Bakke &#39;662 patent does not incorporate standardized learning requirements, and has further drawbacks of not working with a computer and therefore being cumbersome.  
       [0006] U.S. Pat. No. 6,343,319 to Abensour et al discloses a method and system for curriculum delivery that comprises a capture, organization and delivery system. However, the Abensour &#39;319 patent does not comprise a lesson planning system that incorporates standardized learning requirements, and additionally does not analyze student performance regarding requirements of standardized testing.  
       [0007] Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,823,789 to Jay et al discloses a method and apparatus for correlating educational requirements that includes correlation of requirements of educators, guiding documents, and educational resource providers into a central database. However, the Jay &#39;789 patent does not analyze student performance throughout school year, and can not reconfigure lesson plans based on student performance throughout school year.  
       [0008] Lastly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,864,869 to Doak et al discloses a method and manufacture of lesson plans and classroom organizers utilizing computers and software that creates and maintains an integrated classroom organizer using a computer. However, the Doak &#39;869 patent does not incorporate requirements for standardized testing, and has the additional deficiency of not analyzing student performance to reconfigure lesson plans throughout school year. The Doak patent makes no provision for planning and revising lessons quickly and easily.  
       [0009] While the above-described devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not describe a method and system of planning for and analyzing results of lessons incorporating standardized student learning objectives that allows planning lessons based on requirements for standardized learning while monitoring students&#39; comprehension of lessons to allow for modifications to lesson plans when modifications are necessary as shown by lesson analysis feature of the present invention.  
       [0010] Therefore, a need exists for a new and improved method and system of planning for and analyzing results of lessons incorporating standardized student learning objectives that can be used for planning lessons based on standardized objectives while monitoring students&#39; comprehension of lessons to allow for modifications to lesson plans when modifications are necessary as shown by lesson analysis feature of the present invention.  
       [0011] In this regard, the present invention substantially fulfills this need. In this respect, the method and system of planning for and analyzing results of lessons incorporating standardized student learning objectives according to the present invention substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in doing so provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of planning lessons based on requirements for standardized learning while monitoring students&#39; comprehension of lessons to allow for modifications to lesson plans when modifications are necessary as shown by lesson analysis feature of the present invention.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0012] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of methods and systems of planning for lessons incorporating standardized student learning objectives now present in the prior art, the present invention provides an improved method and system of planning for and analyzing results of lessons incorporating standardized student learning objectives, and overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages and drawbacks of the prior art. “Lessons” as used herein is meant to refer to learning activity. “Activity” can also mean “lesson.” A “unit” as used herein is a set of lessons covering a set of subject areas, usually organized around a central theme or a time period.  
       [0013] As such, the general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new and improved method and system of planning for and analyzing results of lessons incorporating standardized student learning objectives and method which has all the advantages of the prior art mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a method and system of planning for and analyzing results of lessons incorporating standardized student learning objectives which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by the prior art, either alone or in any combination thereof.  
       [0014] To attain this, the present invention essentially comprises a method and system of planning for and analyzing results of lessons incorporating standardized student learning objectives comprising a computer program that plans lessons which incorporates standardized objectives, an analysis feature which analyzes student performance on requirements for standardized testing, and a feature which makes recommendations to user based on results from student performance analysis. The present invention includes a grade book feature which details each student&#39;s performance and performance of the class with regard to each standardized learning objective or requirement. This allows an instructor to modify future lesson plans for optimum comprehension of lessons by students.  
       [0015] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated.  
       [0016] The invention may also include an activity bank which includes a list of activity ideas which may be sorted by subject, keyword or standardized learning objective. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject matter of the claims attached.  
       [0017] Numerous objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description of presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In this respect, before explaining the current embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of descriptions and should not be regarded as limiting.  
       [0018] As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.  
       [0019] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved method and system of planning for and analyzing results of lessons incorporating standardized student learning objectives that has all of the advantages of the prior art methods and systems of planning for lessons and none of the disadvantages.  
       [0020] It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and improved method and system of planning for and analyzing results of lessons incorporating standardized student learning objectives that may be easily and efficiently manufactured and marketed.  
       [0021] An even further object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved method and system of planning for and analyzing results of lessons incorporating standardized student learning objectives that has a low cost of manufacture with regard to both materials and labor, and which accordingly is then susceptible of low prices of sale to the consuming public, thereby making such method and system of planning for and analyzing results of lessons incorporating standardized student learning objectives economically available to the buying public.  
       [0022] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a new method and system of planning for and analyzing results of lessons incorporating standardized student learning objectives that provides in the apparatuses and methods of the prior art some of the advantages thereof, while simultaneously overcoming some of the disadvantages normally associated therewith.  
       [0023] Even still another object of the present invention is to provide a method and system of planning for and analyzing results of lessons incorporating standardized student learning objectives for planning lessons based on requirements for standardized learning while monitoring students&#39; comprehension of lessons to allow for modifications to lesson plans when modifications are necessary as shown by lesson analysis feature of the present invention.  
       [0024] This allows an instructor to modify future lesson plans for optimum comprehension of lessons by students. The present invention is quick and easy to use, while offering substantially increased results as compared to methods and systems currently in use for the same purpose. This inventor is unaware of a method or system that offers a user a quick and easy evaluation of lessons taught, a detailed analysis of student performance, and recommendations to user for construction of future lesson plans which can be composed within the present invention.  
       [0025] Lastly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved method and system of planning for and analyzing results of lessons incorporating standardized student learning objectives by choosing an option from a main menu; entering student information into computer program; checking activity bank for lesson plan ideas; planning lesson plan using lesson plan templates; building customized internet links; monitoring grade book option for analysis of lessons covered and for recommendations regarding lessons which should be covered; reviewing standardized learning objectives; and building new units with unit builder option.  
       [0026] These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty that characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0027] The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:  
     [0028]FIG. 1 is a flowchart of the preferred embodiment of the method and system of planning for and analyzing results of lessons incorporating standardized student learning objectives constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.  
     [0029]FIG. 2 is a flowchart of the method and system of planning for and analyzing results of lessons incorporating standardized student learning objectives of the present invention.  
     [0030]FIG. 3 is a flowchart of the method and system of planning for and analyzing results of lessons incorporating standardized student learning objectives of the present invention.  
     [0031]FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the method and system of planning for and analyzing results of lessons incorporating standardized student learning objectives of the present invention.  
     [0032]FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the method and system of planning for and analyzing results of lessons incorporating standardized student learning objectives of the present invention.  
     [0033]FIG. 6 is a flowchart of the method and system of planning for and analyzing results of lessons incorporating standardized student learning objectives of the present invention.  
     [0034]FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the method and system of planning for and analyzing results of lessons incorporating standardized student learning objectives of the present invention.  
     [0035]FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the method and system of planning for and analyzing results of lessons incorporating standardized student learning objectives of the present invention.  
     [0036]FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the method and system of planning for and analyzing results of lessons incorporating standardized student learning objectives of the present invention. 
    
    
     [0037] The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the various figures.  
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
     [0038] Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIGS.  1 - 9 , a preferred embodiment of the method and system of planning for and analyzing results of lessons incorporating standardized student learning objectives of the present invention is shown and generally designated by the reference numeral  10 .  
     [0039] In FIG. 1, a new and improved method and system of planning for and analyzing results of lessons incorporating standardized student learning objectives  10  of the present invention for planning lessons based on standardized objectives while monitoring students&#39; comprehension of lessons to allow for modifications to lesson plans when modifications are necessary as shown by lesson analysis feature of the present invention is illustrated and will be described. “Lessons” as used herein is meant to refer to learning activity. “Activity” can also mean “lesson.” A “unit” as used herein is a set of lessons covering a set of subject areas, usually organized around a central theme or a time period.  
     [0040] More particularly, the method and system of planning for and analyzing results of lessons incorporating standardized student learning objectives  10  has a computer program  12  that plans lessons  14  which incorporates requirements for standardized learning  16 . FIG. 1 also shows an analysis feature  18  which analyzes student performance  20  on requirements for standardized learning  16  and a feature which makes recommendations  22  to user based on results from student performance analysis  20 .  
     [0041]FIG. 2 shows a main menu  24  of computer program  12  includes at least one of a test bank  26 , an activity bank  28 , internet links  30 , lesson plan templates  32 , a grade book  34 , standardized learned objectives  16 , and a unit builder  36 .  
     [0042]FIG. 3 shows the activity bank  28  which includes at least one of a list of activity ideas  40  sorted by subject  42 , a list of activity ideas sorted by keyword  44 , a list of activity ideas sorted by standardized learning objective  16 , a list of activity ideas sorted by time period  38 , an option to add activity  48 , and an option to review activity  50 .  
     [0043]FIG. 4 shows the internet links  52  comprise at least one of a list of links  54  customized by user and sorted by subject area  42 , keyword  44 , standardized learning objective  16 , or time period  38 .  
     [0044]FIG. 5 shows the lesson plan templates  56  which open a list of pre-designed lesson plan templates  58  based on known lesson methods sorted by at least one of a subject area  42 , a keyword  44 , or a standardized learning objective  16 .  
     [0045]FIG. 6 shows the grade book  60  includes a section based on subject area  42  which connects with a database  62  to display at least one of a column for each activity  64 , date  66 , standardized learning objective  16 , lesson unit  68  from which standardized learning objective  16  originated, one row for each students&#39; grade  70 , one row for class average grade  72 .  
     [0046]FIG. 7 shows a detailed grade analysis  74  which includes a database  62  of grades per student per standardized learning objective  16 . FIG. 7 also shows an analysis of results  76  based on pre-set parameters by standardized learning objective  16 , such as students at risk who have low grades  78 , and percentage of class at risk  80 . FIG. 7 shows the present invention&#39;s feature of recommendations of actions  82  for user to take based on analysis of results  76 . FIG. 7 shows an analysis of standardized learned objectives not yet covered  84 . FIG. 7 also shows recommendations to user to revisit certain standardized learned objectives  88  linked to lessons in which student class average grades were below a certain percentage. FIG. 7 features recommendations to user for planning new lessons  88  for any standardized learning objective  16  that has been covered in less than a certain amount of lessons programmed into database  62  by user. The database  62  makes recommendations for planning future lessons  88  based on analysis of students&#39; performance and future planned lessons. For example, if student class average grades are below a certain percentage for a particular lesson and the same lesson is planned for future lessons to be covered, the recommendations will not recommend to the user to add the particular lesson to future lessons. This feature reduces risk of unnecessary redundancy in lessons covered.  
     [0047]FIG. 8 shows a unit builder  36  which includes an option for a user to create a new unit  90  which comprises a window  94  with a unit  96  which shows all major subject areas as column heads  98 ; an option to enter unit title and start and end dates  100 ; an option to enter title of lesson  102 ; and a selection of at least one of lesson plans  104 , tests  122 , internet links  30 , activity ideas  40 , and standardized learning objectives  16 . Standardized learned objectives  16  can be automatically attached to at least one of the lesson plans  104 , tests  122 , internet links  30 , and activity ideas  40 . FIG. 8 also shows the user can access previously built lessons  128  from the unit builder  36 , which can be in the form of units  96  or other lessons  130 .  
     [0048]FIG. 9 illustrates a method and system of planning for and analyzing results of lessons incorporating requirements for standardized student learning  10  by choosing an option from a main menu  24 ; and entering student information  110 . The present invention also includes options of checking activity bank  28  for lesson plan ideas; planning lesson plan  104  using lesson plan templates  32 ; building customized internet links  30 ; monitoring grade book option  106  for analysis of lessons covered and for recommendations regarding lessons which should be covered; reviewing standardized learning objective  16 ; building new units  108  with unit builder  36  option, viewing planned lessons  112 , and printing planned lessons  114 .  
     [0049] In use, it can now be understood that method and system of planning for and analyzing results of lessons incorporating standardized student learning objectives is necessary in assisting students and instructors to meet standardized learned objectives while learning lessons planned.  
     [0050] While a preferred embodiment of the method and system of planning for and analyzing results of lessons incorporating standardized student learning objectives has been described in detail, it should be apparent that modifications and variations thereto are possible, all of which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. For example, any suitable computer software program may be used instead of the computer program described. Also, the features on the main menu can be expanded to include additional related features. And although planning lessons based on standardized objectives while monitoring students&#39; comprehension of lessons to allow for modifications to lesson plans when modifications are necessary as shown by lesson analysis feature of the present invention have been described, it should be appreciated that the method and system of planning for and analyzing results of lessons incorporating standardized student learning objectives herein described is also suitable for functioning as a grade book. Furthermore, a wide variety of grade book features may be used in addition to those described.  
     [0051] Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.