Day 3 T Harris

1. What are some of the problems students might encounter when working in groups on extended, complex projects?
I know how important collaborative work is, but when working for an extended time, there are some challenges the students face.  One challenge is accountability.  Sometimes when working, one student who is the known workhorse ends up doing all of the work while the other student do the minimal amount of work.  Sometimes you have students in groups spending time lolly gagging around.  Another challenge students can face is communication.  Students have difficulty trying to communicate ideas whether positive or negative.  They have a hard time giving constructive criticism or feedback to each other.  As teachers, we all know that the days can be unpredictable.  There have been days when everyone is missing from a group but one or two people.  This is a major challenge for groups.  Because of so many challenges, some teachers often stay away from group projects even when they are beneficial to the students.

2. How can contracts be designed to mitigate these problems?
I really like the idea of the contract and actually want to use them in my PBLs this year.  I think the contracts give the students the opportunity to think about the challenges that may arise during their extended projects and figure out how to overcome them as a group.  It forces the group to collaborate for what is best for them.  The contracts help to facilitate communication within the group.  They allow the students to all have that voice and choice that we have discussed.

3. What checks and balances need to be in place for contracts to be effective?
The students create the contract for their group.  The teacher could be helpful by checking in with the group to make sure their contract is appropriate and relevant to their work.  If there isn't a student that isn't following the contract.  That students need to be held accountable.  This could be when the teacher steps in to help create acceptable consequences.  The group may have to visit their roles and change them.  As the students work through their projects, they may have to monitor and adjust their roles based on their contract.

Consider the Profile of a South Carolina Graduate in terms of world class knowledge, world class skills, and life and career characteristics. After viewing the videos, explain how PBL and collaborative group work fits the criteria identified in the profile. 
PBL and collaborative group work is an excellent way for SC to create graduates ready for the 21st century.  PBL fits the criteria of World-Class Knowledge by allowing students to complete a project that includes SC standards.  The PBL has a challenging problem or driving question that the students will have to work through inquiry to complete.  The PBL integrates several different subjects and will be multidisciplinary, which is beneficial for all students.  The students will be able to participate in some way.  PBL fits the criteria of World-Class Skills because it allows students to problem solve and  be collaborative while thinking critically.  The students are able to be creative and use technology to communicate and research effectively.  PBL fits the Life and Career Characteristics by allowing the students to fostering ownership of the students' learning.  This builds all of the characteristics of a South Carolina graduate.