Chapter 6 Reflection

Project Launch-Implementation Strategies

Assessments and evaluations are huge during projects.  For our project, one of the main aspects that we are having our students do is self-assess at the end of their project.  We want them to assess their progress along the way and then at the end of the project, observe their work and assess their group and themselves.  The one technology tool that we are using is a digital camera, but I liked how the book suggested using blogs, online survey tool, and tools like Zoomerang.

 

Teach the Fundamentals First

Before doing a project, learn what the students already know.  A good way of doing this is with a KWL chart.  This gets ideas flowing and then you are able to see what needs to be taught.  A next good idea is to teach any prerequisite skills that the students will need to know in order to be independent throughout this project.    As a teacher, you want to teach this part quickly.  This is so the class can move onto the exciting inquiry part as fast as possible and have the students engaged quickly. 

 

Set a Stage for Independent Inquiry:

The KWL chart gets students engaged in thinking about what they want to learn and what they wonder about in this project.  This will keep them engaged throughout the entire project.  From this part of the project, the teacher can encourage the students to think deeper by asking “how” and “why” questions.  These questions are much better than direct answer questions. 

 

Share the Assessment Rubric:

This is a big one! You should share the rubric that you are grading your students with to the students.  This way they will know what is expected of them and how they will be able to achieve the best possible grade and experience. 

 

Promote Inquiry and Deep Learning

When planning a project, choose questions to start their investigations.  Some questions can be:

               There is a relationship between need and opportunity, and between scarcity and abundance.

                Modern money has symbolic worth as an exchange medium.

                Economics, health, and well-being are related.

                Humans are interdependent.

Great inquiry questions are guided towards 21 century literacy thinking:

                “Which one” questions ask students to collect information and make informed decisions.

                “How” questions ask students to understand problems and to propose solutions.

“What if” questions ask students to use the knowledge they have to pose a hypothesis and consider options.

 

Throughout our project we ask students these questions a lot and with PBL I think it is especially important in order to get students really engaged and thinking critically.