My Student-Centered Classroom

Most of my students have a ideaof what it is they are interested in, and would like to know more about by this time in their lives. Each time they are given an opportunity to make a choice about a part of their learning they are essentially buying in to the process. I have developed a much better knack for giving them some say in what their role in the group, or the topic of their research might be... and then they dig a little deeper. Not every students has this in them, and of course there are leaders and followers. We need that, our society works that way. Can't have too many chiefs. But, when students are ready to make good decisions for themselves or on behalf of their peers we, as teachers, can stand back a little bit and let them take over the reigns for a bit. really, it's a beautiful process.

Diverse and Self-Directed Learners

Using a checklist is a great tool to keep kids on track, and working in groups allows students to do jobs in their groups that fit their strengths and learning styles. By having open ended topics and responses we can differentiate for students.

Assessing student learning

Checklists are a great tool for middle schoolers. They can work as a group to divide the many tasks associated with a project, and make sure everyone stays busy doing something all the time. Checkslists are also a good tool for communicating to the students exactly what is expected of their group, and what I will be looking for when I grade them. I like to have students initial the checklist to show what task they have worked on or done independently for their group. This is a form of check and balances for group members to see their own contributions as well as ensuring that each member has made some contribution toward the completion and success of the project.

Module 3

This module has helped me think about the impact of the Internet on my students’ learning in the following ways….

• ability to coach students in citing sources of info/images
• ability to use lessons andresources to teach "bias" as a concept for better sources
• Have someide about both formative and summative assessment for parts of the project
• Students can explore their ideaat various levels of complexity

This module has helped me think about using standards, CFQ's, or formative assessment...

to guide the students in their group process and to help students to understand what is expected in the outcome of this project.

I have a better understanding of how to assess student progress along the way and have a clear idea for the summative assessment.

Our collaborative group has worked out exactly which standards we can meet at each grade level and begun to allign activities to promote student mastery of these objectives.

I showed all the kids the Glog.com site. They are so excited to get going on our project. I just know it's going to be good!

Module 1 consisted of researching and discussing Problem -Based learning and its place in the 21st Century classroom. Now that you have had time to think about this topic, please reply with your answers to the following questions:

•How can projects help my students meet standards and develop 21st century skills?
Students collaborate to share their own ideas with peers, and then create a unique product with as a group.

•How can I use projects to enhance student learning?
Students are engaged in group and technology assignments they can remember and recall for a lifetime.



Once you have posted, reply to the post of at least one other participant. You may ask them a question, comment on their good ideas, or even disagree (respectfully), as long as you are saying more then just, "I agree" or "Good job". Before entering your comments, please make sure to start with the person's name you are replying to, such as "@ Dave" or "To Dave".

Next, you will create your first post in your own blog. Please begin with the following prompt:

This module has made me think about my role as an instructional designer in the following ways...
I can be creative and promote student centered instruction

Make sure to check back before our next meeting to read my response to your first post!