I was delighted by Susan Gaer’s folktales and school newspaper projects. Although implementing projects like those wouldn’t be feasible in my teaching context due to curriculum design and time constraints mainly, the way she explains the rationale that lies behind these projects, her classroom management and the outcomes achieved are really inspiring. I was amazed by the sensitivity and linguistic accuracy displayed in two of the products shared: A Hmong Folktale and the poem Praying by Maria Mendez.
Susan Gaer’s web learning projects site: http://susangaer.com/studentprojects/ is also interesting. I explored ‘’The Cost of Living’’ project and lesson plan at: http://susangaer.com/studentprojects/lessonplan.html, which I found appropriate in terms of topic and level of difficulty for a high-intermediate level at the Alianza.
In addition, this week’s sites about WebQuests are extremely useful. Apart from the theoretical foundation, they provide many lesson plans with practical ideas on a variety of topics. For instance, I liked the one at http://www.zunal.com/webquest.php?w=68523 on Environmental Disasters. The conclusion (final product) shows the learner’s creativity through the design and a deep message on the need to preserve our planet. The lesson plan also explains in detail what skills are practiced throughout the task.
For teenagers and young adults, the webquest on “The Evolution of Dance” (lesson plan at http://www.zunal.com/webquest.php?w=66531), which perfectly matches the curriculum for our intermediate level, would be extremely motivating. The YouTube video included in the process stage is very enjoyable. Through this WebQuest, students would explore the impact of dance through cultural, historical, and societal progression.
As a final reflection, I’d like to say that I totally agree with Susan Gaer that “the students must see value in a project”. As I see it, for project-based learning and WebQuests to succeed it’s essential that the task be meaningful, related to the learners’ interests and purposeful. In other words, the outcome of the task should go beyond the mere manipulation of language or the mere practice of certain skills. As Susan Gaer says: “students develop language and literacy skills by working on a product that will exist beyond the classroom walls. This creates excitement and motivation…”
Margarita
Hi Margarita,
ReplyDeleteI am also fascinated with the Web Quests. It is extremely useful like you have said. Students can see the whole procedure of task and follow the instructions step by step. Like you have said, I agree with you that the outcome of the task should go beyond the mere manipulation of language because students learn many things on the process. To me, that is 'learning'.
Best,
Moo
The site, http://www.zunal.com, has taken me to somewhere I have never been. When I visit some places fantastic, I usually introduce the places to others. What I have done is forwarding the site to my colleagues. Sometimes, it is difficult to change people's thought or belief, so I have recommended them this way.
Hi Moo,
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my blog. Glad to see we both feel that one of the advantages of PBL is that the learning triggered by and throughout the process is as important as the outcome.
Your other comment reminds me of how the age-old proverb "Knowledge is power¨ has changed into a new paradigm in 21st-century education, which goes "Sharing knowledge is power".
You're right. Although we may be at different stages of development in the profession, those of us who are privileged to have access to a course like this one have a moral obligation to share the knowledge gained with our colleagues. By empowering them with new trends and tools, we will do our share to foster the changes that to a greater or lesser degree may still need to take place in our teaching contexts.
I liked hearing from you in my blog.
Best,
Margarita
Hi Margarita,
ReplyDeleteI could not agree more with your quote "Sharing knowledge is power".
We have experienced ourselves how enriching and engaging can be to be part of a virtual learning community and share own knowledge and experiences.
We have seen that webquests can trigger students creativity, collaborative skills and autonomy. They are worth a try !
Cecilia