So...I have another hair-brained idea! Yes...I know you are wondering what now Tate? Well, what if we could teach reading and writing skills up to a certain point in the school year and then teach the application of those skills through real-world value projects.
I am a proponent of inquiry-based instruction but to me, I feel that successful units that utilize this mode are successful because the students feel confident and exhibit success applying basic reading and writing skills. The project then serves to push their level of cognition right on up Bloom's ladder.
Right now in my class, I am planning a culminating project, a.k.a. an exit project. The students will complete digital documentaries that will require them to work in real-world production teams to present research and perspectives on a theme.
Since we have been doing a lot of discussions about the power of media (tv, radio, and print) to influence the thoughts and decisions of a society, I figured it's time to let them play with that power. They have started questioning media and the messages that are being presented. But what will happen when the students have that power? What will they use the platform to say? On what level will they apply such skills like responding, analyzing, critiquing, and recommending?
The million dollar question of the day: "Will this project show that my students have abilities that the NYS ELA exam says they do not?"
Only the results will tell...stay tuned
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2 comments:
This is the kind of reflection and questioning for which blogs are ideal.
I can't wait to see some of these Exit Projects.
I concur with Pat. Ms Tate you are taking the ball and running with it as usual. Thought provoking stuff - ELA is one measure - it is a blink of time - what you propose is real world applications of the standards. Meeting students where they are and taking them to uncharted waters.
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