I've always thought challenge based learning was a good idea. One of the reasons I enjoy working with teenagers is that they aren't so jaded that they feel there is nothing they can do to change the world, and most haven't had to "sell out" yet. That reminds me, I saw an article the other day that reported on the fact that the California teachers fund is "divesting from companies that make guns and high-capacity ammunition magazines that are illegal in California." Wow. That's what I mean about selling out. It's hard sometimes as an adult to think about making change when you don't even know what you are supporting. I've looked before at our retirement fund portfolio -- alcohol, military industrial complex, adult entertainment. Not exactly congruent with the image of devoted educators. Oh well, I've digressed.
What I mean to say is that young folks, in my experience, jump right in and aren't afraid to offer creative and innovative solutions for problems to which we adults often turn a blind eye.
My "non-honors" 9th graders are currently creating websites on which they will document their research into gun violence in the United States. They've drafted their driving questions and are in the process of doing their research. Ultimately, they'll offer articulated and thought-provoking solutions and present to the senior government and economics classes.
This is a group of students who often don't complete assignments and it is challenging for me to create assignments that they are interested in beginning, much less completing. So far they've seemed very interested. They like using the technology. Having to actually READ their research is so far the only sticking point. And then, of course, they'll have to evaluate and summarize the information that they find. Ah...the writing task. Hopefully a real life audience whose respect they are genuinely interested in obtaining will help them be successful.
What I mean to say is that young folks, in my experience, jump right in and aren't afraid to offer creative and innovative solutions for problems to which we adults often turn a blind eye.
My "non-honors" 9th graders are currently creating websites on which they will document their research into gun violence in the United States. They've drafted their driving questions and are in the process of doing their research. Ultimately, they'll offer articulated and thought-provoking solutions and present to the senior government and economics classes.
This is a group of students who often don't complete assignments and it is challenging for me to create assignments that they are interested in beginning, much less completing. So far they've seemed very interested. They like using the technology. Having to actually READ their research is so far the only sticking point. And then, of course, they'll have to evaluate and summarize the information that they find. Ah...the writing task. Hopefully a real life audience whose respect they are genuinely interested in obtaining will help them be successful.