Discuss the potential pitfalls in project design.
Some potential pitfalls of project design are:
1. long on activity, short on learning outcomes- If the project is busy and long but only reaches small or lower-order thinking aims.
2. technology layered over traditional practice- Having the students research a topic on the internet and then have them present it using a slideshow from a computer.
3. trivial thematic units- Having a theme that is not interdisciplinary, collaborative, or rigorous for the students.
4. overly scripted with many steps- Giving students a project that may have too little steps or too many steps that do not allow for critical thinking or decision making.
Discuss the features of a good project.
The features of a good project all share the same qualities:
1. Loosely designed with the possibility of different leaning paths
2. Generative, causing students to construct meaning
3. Center on a driving question for structured inquiry
4. Captures students interests through real life experiences
5. Realistic and cross multiple disciplines
6. Reaches beyond school to others
7. Tap into rich data or primary sources
8. Structured so students can learn with and from others
9. Students work as inquiring experts might
10. Have 21st century skills and literacies
11. Get at important learning dispositions like persistence, risk taking, confidence, self reflection, and cooperation.
12. Students learn by doing
Discuss where project ideas come from.
Project ideas can come from anywhere inside and outside of the classroom. Connecting history with current events can be an example of a project and finding out what students like to do can be a great writing project to allow them to express themselves. As long as the project involves students to critically think the project will be a good one.
Discuss the steps to design a project.
There are 4 steps to design a project.
The first step is to revisit the framework. This means look over the learning objectives for the project and make sure they align with the disciplines. You must also consider what 21 century skills you want to use in the project.
The second step is to establish evidence of understanding and think of what students might be able to do when they have learned.
The third step is to "plan the vehicle". This means to think about what students might inquire about the project.
the last step is plan entree into project experience. What will you do before the project to get the students excited and interested to begin the project.
Discussion on how concepts in this chapter relate to your project.
Our topic of staying healthy relates to this chapter because we have a topic that captures students attention through real life experiences and has students learning by doing in our activities workshop.
I like how in the pitfalls you mentioned that not having enough direction can be just as bad as having too many steps. I feel as if many teachers don't think this part through and fall victim to not giving students enough direction by thinking that students need the room to make the choices and think critically.
ReplyDeleteI feel like as a teacher you have to think like a student in order to be successful. How do you want to spend your day? Your reflection on potential pitfalls are good tips for teachers on how to make learning a fun, successful experience.
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