The clock is running!
We are now barreling into the year 2014. Since the beginning of the current school
year, students have experienced a multitude of investigative science projects
and they have developed the skills and abilities necessary to solve problems,
while covering concepts in chemistry and physics. Now is the time to push for
real long-term research taking place in the science classroom.
The Earth Stewardship Project in physical science and the independent research projects in honors physics are the gateway into a performance-orientated approach to
learning. These long-term research
projects require increased levels of autonomy and effort by students, which is inspired
by a more student-centered model for learning.
The count down in days to spring break begins a rallying cry to
initiate the process of science
in the classroom. Doing real science is
the goal as students begin their scientific investigation as they define it within
their written proposals.
A commitment to the ideals of discovery and problem-solving are the real outcomes of student achievement. In a student-centered model for learning, the
learning process becomes untethered from the constraints of grades, quizzes and
tests. The goal is to learn, foster understanding
and to become experts in their chosen field of research. Students develop
timeframes and focus upon self-determined criteria that will shape the outcome
of their research. It is a liberating
experience for the students and it creates a classroom climate of excitement and
anticipation.
Student intrinsic motivation to learn is now encapsulated in
their research. Since students pursue
areas of personal interest, it is an easy transition from teacher-guided
projects to student-centered projects.
The teacher functions as a trusted consultant on these projects helping
to ensure students' successful completion. Decisions made as to the depth of their
understanding and to the magnitude of their research are really up to the
students themselves. Peer-reviewed researched
findings will be an important factor in the determination of both the quality of
the project and the level of understanding that it provides to others.
The long-term research projects provide the means by which
teachers build upon students’ abilities to work collaboratively, communicate effectively,
reason out solutions to complex problems and to commit to their own ideals as
learners. The learning process, in the
classroom, takes on greater meaning for the students. It is the students themselves that provide
the rigor and the relevance to their work.
Their work completed on the projects become a true reflection of the necessary attributes developed by
students as productive and caring citizens in the 21st century.
2 comments:
Good blog . Lots of great information and inspiration, both of which we all need. Thanks.
ACC 455 Individual Assignment
GR
You need to be speaking at major conferences and teaching others what you do.
You need to be teaching at the university also to teach other educators how to make a difference as you are doing at Streamwood High School.
Wonderful Work and Motivational Ideas.
Good job.
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