Setting the stage for personalized learning

My students are about to wrap up their French game challenge and will be presenting their original creations to members of the grade 4 class this week.

The following are areas of focus that have evolved from this project, which I’d like to refine and take forward with the students’ next project:

1. Reflections, or assessment as learning

This kind of project really lends itself towards reflective learning, especially when students are asked the right questions. I believe my reflection questions were the right ones to ask; however, I could have gone further with probing follow-up questions in the comments section of the student’s individual reflections pages. This will be essential as students design their own projects/outcomes during the second half of their personalized unit.

2. 21^st century skills:

Through the students’ reflections, I saw evidence of their struggle and/or enjoyment of collaborating with a team of my choosing.

Although they were given the same parameters for the project, each group created a unique, authentic product destined for the Grade 4 class.

I would like to have seen more evidence of their research and critical analysis skills at work, i.e. why they chose a particular francophone region over another, and which product to showcase and how it was showcased.

3. Personalized learning opportunities:

With the help of the class website, students were accountable even when I was away in BC for a week. With clear expectations set for each class, students could check in and work at their own pace, in or outside of class, to fulfill their contributions to the project, be it as the researcher, writer, editor, creator, or cinematographer.

Next up:

Students will be introduced to their final (personalized) unit of study beginning with a discussion reflecting on the pros and cons of the project they just completed. Hopefully, they will be on a high after presenting their games to the junior school students and watching the learning continue!

After a brief introduction last week, we will return to the grade 10 curriculum document and course essential questions to ponder what a personal challenge in French could look like.

Students will be introduced to google moderator for ideas sharing (with a prompting idea from me already in place).

In conclusion:

I think that students are in a good position to take on this final project. I’m excited for them to unpack the essential understandings of the course with fresh eyes and look forward to seeing where they go with their learning when it is placed in their hands.

To be continued!!!