In analyzing the development of my TechQuest, I can say that I do feel somewhat happy with where I am currently in its development. Though I feel I have a long way to go, I plan to move forward in collaboration with my department's input and assistance, which I hope will only improve the quality of the project. I think taking on a project such as this one should incorporate more input from those who are doing similar instruction as yourself. Though group feedback is very beneficial, having input from someone covering the same curriculum could be almost invaluable.
My approach to another project of this type would be to try and incorporate peers within my department more often, encouraging collaboration on the content of the project itself. Though they may not have the technical knowledge to carry out the project, they could definitely help develop some key components they would like to see incorporated and give feedback focused on the curricular aspect of it. I just feel as though doing so would make the project more comprehensive and increase its quality.
The one thing about this project I would change, which I feel could definitely benefit others, would be the time of year in which it was implemented. I find at this time of year, my students definitely did not want to learn about study skills. They were willing to click through the links, listen to a snippet of the podcast(s), and only read minimally. Where students may do this anyway, I believe catching them at the beginning of the year and right when I begin working with them, will have a big impact on how seriously they take the project.
It may work at other times of the year as well, but I'm finding many of my students are on cruise control right now and have little interest in new topics/concepts. A large part of this due to the population of my students and the fact that all struggle with disabilities, which affect their learning. However, I pride myself on developing a good rapport with my students and in sitting with them, while going over the project, I feel as though this is the reason they've been honest in telling my they aren't very focused on learning something new. They seem somewhat intrigued by the idea, but don't seem able to stick with it right now.
I don't know that I'll endeavor to do this same project again, but rather take this project and build on it. I'm undecided as to whether a quiz is the route I want to go, as I think this may intimidate the students. I'm thinking an introductory survey, questioning the students, as to their knowledge of study skills would be better. Something they feel they can answer openly and honestly, so that I can get a good grasp of where their skills lie and go forward from there.
I like the idea of having students using the blog to kind of journal their efforts of practicing and using study skills. I'd like them to also be able to view the things their peers are doing, so that they can get an idea of what things are and aren't working for others. I believe all kids really do want to be good students, some just need more tools to help them do so.
My approach to another project of this type would be to try and incorporate peers within my department more often, encouraging collaboration on the content of the project itself. Though they may not have the technical knowledge to carry out the project, they could definitely help develop some key components they would like to see incorporated and give feedback focused on the curricular aspect of it. I just feel as though doing so would make the project more comprehensive and increase its quality.
The one thing about this project I would change, which I feel could definitely benefit others, would be the time of year in which it was implemented. I find at this time of year, my students definitely did not want to learn about study skills. They were willing to click through the links, listen to a snippet of the podcast(s), and only read minimally. Where students may do this anyway, I believe catching them at the beginning of the year and right when I begin working with them, will have a big impact on how seriously they take the project.
It may work at other times of the year as well, but I'm finding many of my students are on cruise control right now and have little interest in new topics/concepts. A large part of this due to the population of my students and the fact that all struggle with disabilities, which affect their learning. However, I pride myself on developing a good rapport with my students and in sitting with them, while going over the project, I feel as though this is the reason they've been honest in telling my they aren't very focused on learning something new. They seem somewhat intrigued by the idea, but don't seem able to stick with it right now.
I don't know that I'll endeavor to do this same project again, but rather take this project and build on it. I'm undecided as to whether a quiz is the route I want to go, as I think this may intimidate the students. I'm thinking an introductory survey, questioning the students, as to their knowledge of study skills would be better. Something they feel they can answer openly and honestly, so that I can get a good grasp of where their skills lie and go forward from there.
I like the idea of having students using the blog to kind of journal their efforts of practicing and using study skills. I'd like them to also be able to view the things their peers are doing, so that they can get an idea of what things are and aren't working for others. I believe all kids really do want to be good students, some just need more tools to help them do so.
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