I visited the InTime site and watched the video on ocean Exhibits.
Teacher: Julie McLaughlin
School: Smoky Valley High
City/State: Lindsborg, Kansas
Curriculum Area: Earth Science
Grade Level: 9
Video Number: 004kshs
The Oceans Exhibit consisted of having High school science students produce and present information to grade school students in a museum format. The students in the project took on the role of instructors and developed and delivered the hands on learning activities. The student's participated in a PBL type called Scenario challenge according to Gordon (1998). The strength of projects designed with the students teaching the material are many. One element is the authenticity of the activity. Students are working toward the goal of presenting a teacher the grade school children and therefore work with a high level of engagement. The process of teaching the material also tends to increase the level at which the students understand the material. Increased student involvement and a format that encourages active participation in the acquisition of the knowledge lead to effective learning.
The students are also free to be very creative in the way in which they demonstrate the understanding. The more creative the better as they will also need to capture the interest of the grade school children they will teach. The video of the reflective conversation the students had with the teacher also points to a deeper understanding of the process of learning and student attitudes.
All in all this section has made me think about which level I could implement more authentic activities for my students. We as a department have put in place several applications per semester that allow for some creativity on how students demonstrate understanding. Add problem based learning activities on an individual bases on as group activity would add to the online learning experience. I have yet to implement any group or collaborative work in the online environment and am considering what to do in this area as I believe it can be an effective tool in engaging students in the learning process.
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Terry,
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a cool exercise that would benefit both the students in high school and grade school. As you stated, and I paraphrase, arguably the best way to learn something is to teach it. I would like to think that the high school students would take ownership of this project because they wouldn't want to look silly in front of the younger kids. I also suspect that the high school students might enjoy the fact that they have been where the younger students are yet to go. Plus, the high school students would probably enjoy the change of scenery and responsibility involved in this project.
The grade school students would be more apt to listen to students not far removed from their classes. They probably idolize the older kids, and would feel more comfortable interacting with them then the teacher. Regardless of the subject area concerning this project, the idea of students taking on the roles of teachers could be something that I could use in my classes. Thanks for the post.
Yes a good PBL can really engage and allow for ownership. How could you make this happen in your online course?
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