After serious contemplation and research, I have decided to give some serious attention to this idea of self-direction and increasing student motivation through choice. If Fortune 500 companies are finding tremendous success with the idea of allowing employees free time "on the clock" to research and pursue their interests, then, it seems to follow that the world of academia needs to follow suit. That being said, one of a high school teacher's biggest fears is relinquishing that power and control that we deem as classroom management. I have decided to tackle my fear and allow some personal choice and promote the preservation and growth of creative thinking.
Seniors in English IV will be conducting a year-long research project on a topic of their choice. The only restrictions placed on them are: 1. They have to use only credible sources and sites, 2. They have to format each 300-word post in MLA format, 3. Every post needs to be proofread by a partner before posting, and 4. They have to create a culminating project and presentation by the end of the term.
Students will be filling our a research proposal form and will conference with Ms. Shaw prior to beginning the actual research component.
Once student blogs have been established, they must also share their blog address in the Google Form. This will give Ms. Shaw an accurate record for progress-monitoring and grading.
Remember, every student is responsible for posting at least one 300-word post each week. Blogs will be checked each Monday.
To establish a blog, follow the directions within the following Google Presentation.
No comments:
Post a Comment