As I began evaluating my project according to the objectives I developed according to each NCATE Standard, I saw how they all perfectly fit together. For example, the first standard deals with anchoring content in meaningful learning experiences, and because environmental issues are such a familiar topic, my sixth graders could see the relevance of our project to their lives (Standard 2). Seeing the importance of the issue caused my students to take ownership of Earth 911 and they truly created the environment to showcase the project. (Standards 4 and 5)
I have been amazed with the way they have assumed their roles and come together to solve problems.They have seen what needs to be done and worked as a team to complete the task. I have even heard them make comments about who should do certain things because he/she is good at that. My goal for the second NCATE standard was that they would demonstrate respect and courtesy to classmates, and it has been a joy to see them do that. (Standards 2,3,5)
Earth 911 has given my learners many opportunities to use wide varieties of instructional strategies as they have explored the various topics. They have researched using trade books, reference books, and Internet sources which allowed them to read, write, organize, summarize, classify, synthesize, categorize, infer, and to evaluate and orally present their findings. They have used visual art to create a bulletin board, posters, and a wall hanging. Discussion has been a large part of our project and they have demonstrated the conventions of etiquette. The students participated in an election which was held to vote on a name for the project. (Standards 3,6,7,9) In one of her posts to my blog, Joan H. even commented on the number of learning strategies taking place in this project.
At the beginning of the semester, I had some concerns about how my students would handle the activities I had planned in my proposal. How rewarding it has been to see them work together and "gel" as a class and for me to grab the teachable moments that so easily escape us as we strictly adhere to weekly lesson plans. The greatest pleasure has been to see this age group become excited about learning, and that, in turn, has re-ignited this teacher's joy.
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What a fabulous reflection. I agree this project has provided me a push to expand as I step into a new system, school, and grade. Rather than taking the low road, I am reading for the high rode.
ReplyDeleteJust doesn't get any better! Thanks for the NCATE reflections.
ReplyDeleteWOW!! Great entry...and I agree about the project igniting the joy and enthusiasm for you, the teacher, once again. Their is so much pressure to perform for higher scores that it has dampened the spirit of alot of awesome teachers! This is so disturbing to think about because of the passion once felt by many has been taken away and the children have to suffer.
ReplyDeleteThis project is really making me miss my own classroom and makes me wish things were like they used to be for teachers. I understand accountability but creativity and autonomy are important as well!
You can really tell that the children were not the only ones who left your project learning and that you have grown as a result of it too.
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