How can I provide constructive feedback?

It is important to provide constructive feedback in both verbal and written form. If I only give verbal feedback, the students may forget what we talked about. By giving them a written paper, they are able to review what was discussed and make changes accordingly.

How can I prepare for and facilitate an effective showcase?

I can prepare my class for an effective showcase by setting expectations, providing them with a form to complete to provide constructive feedback to their peers, and demonstrate what these aspects look like in the classroom.

How can I facilitate a student-centered classroom?

A student-centered classroom must be well planned, thought out, and prepared for if you are to make it happen. All materials need to be ready for students before the unit begins so students' time is spent in a meaningful way.

How can I use technology to support my instructional practice?

Technology can be used by students to gather information through proper researching techniques and practices. There are online resources that display information in kid friendly language and examples.

How can I support the diverse needs of learners?

Using multiple approaches in our instruction and multiple options throughout the project. Students learn in a vast variety of ways. It is important to allow learners to display their understanding in a variety of ways also. What works for one student will not always work for the next. Making accommodations for students with disabilities and supplying ELL students with additional resources also supports their individual learning needs.

How can I help my students become self-directed learners?

Setting goals at the beginning of a project aids students in their self-direction. Small assessments and reflections throughout the project also help the students direct their own projects and assess their learning.

How do I involve students in the assessment process?

As I have said before, I feel students should assess themselves before the teacher. It gives them a the chance to reflect on their effort and learning.

* How do I assess student learning?

Student learning should be assessed on predetermined criteria that the students are aware of. Rubrics are excellent tools to assess student work because it can be readily available for the students to know what is expected of them and what to aim for. Students should assess themselves before I assess the final project. This gives them the chance to reflect on their learning and effort.

How can technology be used most effectively

Technology use must be well-planned and focused in order for it to be used most effectively. You cannot expect students to be effective in their technology use if they have not been explicitly taught how to use the resources available to them.

Module 4: How can I ensure students will achieve the learning objectives when creating their student projects?

Through the use of a rubric for both the students to use and grade themselves. Explicit directions or expectations must be set before the students begin their projects, and the content of the project must have been taught to the students.

Module 4: How can the creation of a student sample help me clarify my unit expectations and improve my instructional design?

By creating a student sample, I am able to focus my questions and realize if the project is realistic. It also helps me focus my instruction during the unit so that my desired outcome will be what I am looking for.

Module 3: How can I ensure responsible and appropriate use of the Internet?

The only way to ensure responsible and appropriate use of the internet is to teach responsible and appropriate use. If students are not explicitly taught, how can we expect them to display acceptable use? Time has to be taken out of class to teach online skills and discretion. If we don't take the time to do it right the first time, we will be constantly reteaching and redirecting student internet usage.

Module 3: * How can I use the Internet to support my teaching and students' learning?

The internet is full of resources for students and teachers for learning. Students need to have appropriate internet skills to research and create projects in the 21st century classroom. There are resources available to enrich both teaching and learning, we just need to make sure our students and teachers are aware of these resources.

Module 2: How can I plan ongoing student-centered assessment?

I can plan ongoing student-centered assessment through the use of checklists and rubrics intermittently throughout the project. Progress can also be checked though class discussion and short quizzes.

Module 2: How can Curriculum-Framing Questions help support my student's learning?

Curriculum-Framing Questions help focus instruction and activities done during class-time so students are focused on what needs to be learned.

Module 1: How can I use projects to enhance student learning?

Module 1: How can projects help my students meet standandards and develop 21st century skills?

Teaching with Projects

Today was a great review of how to set up a project to use in the classroom. I am looking forward to deciding on a topic and getting started on the project outline.