As I think about this project being implemented in my classroom, my ultimate goal was to have students work effectively in groups while using technology. Effective group work is a challenging thing to measurably assess, but through careful and intentional formal and summative assessments, I can gauge the effectiveness of my plan. First, I will make sure I am consistently monitoring, observing and taking notes about each group. I will create a checklist of things to look for as they are planning and preparing their videos. The types of things I will look for are: participation, listening, compromise, types of activity, and effort. By noting and giving each group frequent feedback, I can track how well they are functioning as a group. I will also require the groups to reflect on themselves throughout the project. How do they think they are working as a group? What do they think about their own efforts and the efforts of each group member? Students can type these reflections up anonymously, and see exactly how their group mates perceive their effort and participation. Part of the summative group work assessment will be another reflection each group member does on themselves as well as each other group member. This reflection will include a description of what was done on an individual level and how the group worked together. I can also use the videos as a reflection of how well the group worked to create a final product. After observing and tracking how each group works throughout the entire project, I will have a pretty good idea as to if the video is a reflection of the whole group or just select members of the group.
The only way this entire project will be successful, including the reflections, is if there is a solid classroom community established with the students. If everyone is honestly working for the success of the group as a whole, not individual success, then group work is a much smoother process. Classroom community begins on the first day of school, so I am excited to begin establishing a positive and encouraging community of learners before even beginning a project like I have planned.
I completely agree with the need to have a solid classroom community in place to ensure that the entire project goes well and without incident. I also like your idea of having the students write a self reflection analysis as I believe it will provide valuable insight into how the project went and if it was worthwhile. It should give you a good idea if it is something you want to repeat or not.
ReplyDeleteBuilding on what Mr. Hren has stated I also feel that you must first set the ground work in place before you will truly be able to judge how well an approach has succeeded. It looks as though you have a lot of things to implement and a good check list of things to work from.
ReplyDeleteI agree with everyone about the importance of fostering a comfortable learning environment where students are willing (and excited) to work collaboratively with one another. Additionally, I like how you mention creating a check-list, as this is an easier way to make requirements and expectations clear for students. Also, I think the reflection aspect is vital to the success of this project. I agree that students should be reflecting as they create their project, not just at the end. Just a thought, the reflections could also be posted on a Wiki for each group.
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