This afternoon, thanks to Kendal Shomura, my video is done. I have completed the poster and the webpages and am breathing major sighs of relief. It has been quite a process, but very valuable for me and my teaching . I have enjoyed pushing myself to learn and accomplish things I probably would never have taken the time to attempt - namely, the video.
Challenge-Based Learning has broadened my view of what students can do. Every student rose to the occasion - in their own way. It was a gift to be able to spend a good amount of time doing our immigration project because it allowed for us to teach so many valuable skills at a reasonable pace. Students learned research skills, presentation skills, interview skills, movie-making, blogging, and so many other skills (like leaving messages on voicemails) that it is difficult to name them all.
Another thing they learned was to take responsibility for their own learning, which is so valuable and important. This ability has given most of our students (I would like to say all - and it may be all - the realization that their education is relevant and useful in this society. Right there, I feel that I answered my Driving Question - How can I, as an eighth grade teacher, solve the problem of disengagement of Hispanic boys , and find a way to attain successful and meaningful learning by all members of our student community?
I feel that I have accomplished what I set out to do last February. I think I have found one way to engage students and make them value their time spent in school.
Challenge-Based Learning has broadened my view of what students can do. Every student rose to the occasion - in their own way. It was a gift to be able to spend a good amount of time doing our immigration project because it allowed for us to teach so many valuable skills at a reasonable pace. Students learned research skills, presentation skills, interview skills, movie-making, blogging, and so many other skills (like leaving messages on voicemails) that it is difficult to name them all.
Another thing they learned was to take responsibility for their own learning, which is so valuable and important. This ability has given most of our students (I would like to say all - and it may be all - the realization that their education is relevant and useful in this society. Right there, I feel that I answered my Driving Question - How can I, as an eighth grade teacher, solve the problem of disengagement of Hispanic boys , and find a way to attain successful and meaningful learning by all members of our student community?
I feel that I have accomplished what I set out to do last February. I think I have found one way to engage students and make them value their time spent in school.