Video 1:
As a reluctant group member, I was intrigued by the idea of a group contract. I like the idea that every group member is held accountable and has a role to play. Also, the format for setting up the contracts is similar to the rubric exercise we did in class today where the students have input to make it more tangible for them. The fact that a non-performing group member can be fired and required to do the work on their own make each role much more valuable and means no one can rely on other members to do the work for them.
Video 2:
By assessing group members during their work time, we are employing 21st century skills of collaboration, communication, and teamwork. Students must learn how to cooperate with members of their group, communicate effectively even when they don't agree, and work together towards a common goal. When they are given a chance to evaluate each other, the assessment can sometimes carry more weight. A peer evaluation may mean more than a teacher evaluation, as they value the opinions of their peers. The feedback may be simpler than what a teacher would give, but could be more relevant to them given the source.
The profile of a SC graduate calls for skills that aren't always "taught" inside a classroom. PBL and cooperative group projects require a vastly different set of skills to be used by students. In a "traditional" classroom, a student would rarely be required to be innovative, collaborative, or self-pacing. In PBL, more emphasis is placed on personal responsibility, reflection, and working together. These skills carry over to the workplace, ideally making the students a better employee and more likely to perform well in a 21st century job market.
I agree that peer evaluation is effective, perhaps more effective than teacher evaluation. Especially in middle and high school, students really do value each other's opinions. That is a huge part of their lives.
ReplyDeleteHi Kelsey,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you that pbl calls for skills that aren't necessecarily taught outside of a traditional classroom setting. While pbl promotes engagement as well as student achievement on academic measures, one of the biggest benefits of growth in critical thinking, collaboration, innovation,and other 21st century skills many times can be difficult to measure. Finding ways to value the development of these skills and to highlight student growth can help students move beyond validation of letter grade achievement alone.
Thanks,
Dawn