My problem/mission is to engage students of middle school age who have given up on the relevance of school in their lives. I intend to work to find ways to turn the apathy and disconnection around. The history of this problem, although not new, has been exacerbated by the rapid growth of access to information and the need to leave old tired methods of education behind. I intend to engage students in a Challenge Based Learning Project, focusing on immigration. This ties in with U.S. History and can be implemented within the community. I feel this is an opportunity to tie in the cultures of all of our students and give them all a chance to use their own personal experiences to learn. The problems I see with this implementation is my own lack of creativity and courage to do something “out of the box.”
Yet, the more I study the issue of disengagement, I see no other alternative. Curriculum must be presented in a different way, which honors students’ cultures and interests within this world of global awareness. I intend to use a great deal of technology, but need to explore the means to make their projects authentic and comprehensive.
I also intend to include families in this project by tapping into the experiences of the parents and other relatives and having them come into the classroom to share their knowledge. This is a vital key to the success of student engagement. i feel that students need to see that what they are doing is recognized and respected by their families. The community can also play a big role. Students will be sent out to the community to explore issues related to our topic.
Yet, the more I study the issue of disengagement, I see no other alternative. Curriculum must be presented in a different way, which honors students’ cultures and interests within this world of global awareness. I intend to use a great deal of technology, but need to explore the means to make their projects authentic and comprehensive.
I also intend to include families in this project by tapping into the experiences of the parents and other relatives and having them come into the classroom to share their knowledge. This is a vital key to the success of student engagement. i feel that students need to see that what they are doing is recognized and respected by their families. The community can also play a big role. Students will be sent out to the community to explore issues related to our topic.