Video Choice #1—Group Contracts for Collaborative
Work
1.
What are some of the problems students might
encounter when working in groups on extended, complex projects?
Absenteeism, anger, and apathy are some of
the problems students might face.
Distractions will abound in a room of twenty-five preteens and teens.
2.
How can contracts be designed to mitigate these
problems?
In order to decrease problems everyone
should know upfront that they have three chances to get the assignments
completed. Agreeing on appropriate and
polite language toward peers should also be given three strikes and then the
person is out of the group.
3.
What checks and balances need to be in place for
contracts to be effective?
All must abide by the rules. For example, if a person has a fourth
violation, he/she must be removed from the group. The teacher must also monitor and not assume that the children will “be good.”
Video Choice #2—Structured Groups: Making Group-Work
1.
What is the value of assessing how students
perform their group roles?
Value comes in teaching the students to
work on teamwork and not to be consumed with competitiveness.
2.
How does the teacher, Mr. Jupp give feedback and
guidance specific to each group?
Mr. Jupp is extremely positive when talking
with the students. He not only tell them
what is to be done, he also shows the students how it will be completed.
3.
How does peer assessment give ownership of the
learning to students?
Ownership comes because the information has
been heard or reiterated by a classmate and students learn better that
way. The students will have figured out
the concept without the teacher and the information will be retained longer.
A PBL encompasses all
that is desired of a SC graduate. We are
seeking to prepare students to work with their peers, be honest, persevere, and
think outside of the box. A PBL is an excellent means to that end. “No man is an island.” The PBL stretches our students in positive
ways so that when the time comes for them to perform they are not at a loss.
Love your comment to everyone on the use of PBL and the profile of an SC graduate! Very inspiring!
ReplyDeleteI like statement about the language towards peers. I think that is a great idea. However, as a teacher you have to ensure that the students are giving productive criticism. They need to learn how to give criticism respectfully for the success of the group. This applies to when they start working in the real world.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your point of view where the "PBL stretches our students in positive ways." Students in this day and age need to be challenged. PBL provides a more authentic way for students to leanr the standards while making them more accountable and invested. If we prepare our students this way, success is inevitable.
ReplyDeleteHi Sarah,
ReplyDeleteI am glad that you found the group contracts helpful and like you I believe that students should be given opportunities to redeem themselves during the course of an on-going pbl, especially at the middle and elementary level when they are building their collaboration skills.
Sincerely,
Dawn