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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Wow, I really like the idea of an introductory survey. To me that tells the students that it's going to be interactive in nature - perfect for learning study skills. Will your project reflect this interactable nature?
ReplyDeleteAlso, I see that you're planning to include your peers in this - it's going to be amazing what you can accomplish with the help of your peers. I caution you, though, to analyze what exactly you want to ask before you ask it, and be careful as to what is introduced. I've seen it happen so many times that teachers get one idea in their head (teachers who are asked for opinions from others), and then they are not on board with the project because the one aspect they feel most beneficial won't be implemented or is impossible to implement. It's hard to think about that, but just be careful.
I also get the picture that you're going to try to have the students identify their weaknesses within the study skills realm, and then hone in on the skill that is not working correctly in their life. How will you help them identify this weakness? Will you give them different paths that they can follow depending on what area they feel is their weakness? It will be interesting and exciting to see your progress on this project.
I also wanted to mention that I really like your vodcasts or podcasts, I think that's a great way to hold student attention. I think the short lengths you have with them is a great point - students don't want to listen to a 10 minute video of you blah, blah, blahing (no offense!), but they will listen to short clips.
Excellent!
Your project is a monumental one for sure! Once it is completed it will be a useful tool for your students. I agree with involving your colleagues for input and assistance will enhance the quality of your project.
ReplyDeleteI liked how you asked for your students input. They are a wonderful resource for you to use and see what works and does not work.Obviously, the time of year does matter when introducing something new like this and it is great that they let you know this.
I think building on this project is a wise one. The survey is a good idea because if they already have some skills it can direct them to an area to focus on that is weaker.
Is the blog a part of the study skills project or is it separate? I like the idea of them sharing with each other and gaining important information from their their peers.
I think your project will be a positive support tool for your students!
Kerry,
ReplyDeleteI'd like it to be somewhat interactive, and I want to make sure I keep the students interacting with each other, blogging about their study skills, to keep them mindful of the fact that they are or need to be using them. It should also give them some ideas of skills to try, via their peers, which I thought could be powerful.
Tracy,
ReplyDeleteI decided I'd like the blog to be specific to the study skills project. If I decide to incorporate other blogs, I'll provide a link on my site, but keep it separate, so that it doesn't become congested with other input.