For my project I chose to use Wikispaces in order to track student participation in group projects. I planned for my students to work in a group to create a board game based on the history of Michigan. They would use textbooks in the classroom and the Internet for research on this topic. Group members would be expected to contribute equally to this project. Since I am not teaching a class of mine own currently, I have been just planning the project. Therefore, I am not sure exactly how things would work if they were implemented in the classroom.
There are many things that I have found by researching more and from feedback from others. One thing I did not think about initially was that students would not know how to use a Wiki. So, when I am able to use this in a classroom I will have to first teach a series of lessons to get students familiar with Wikis and comfortable using them. I also would like to let them explore on their own before being graded on their group project.
Another thing I would change is that I would assign roles to the students. I think that students at the grade level I have chosen to create this for (4th grade) will have a hard time breaking up the roles themselves. So, the first thing that would be due would be the rules of the game and how to play. I would require each student in the group to come up with an equal number of steps to contribute. The next part that would be due are the questions that are asked in the game. This is the bulk of the project where they much research the history of Michigan and make up questions based on their research. I would like each student to come up with at least ten questions that they contribute to their groups questions. The next part that would be due are the materials required to play the game. This is a much smaller part of the project that again I would like each member to contribute about the same. The last part of the project would be due is the final product. This is the actual game board that is designed together. One person would be in charge of creating the game board, another would have to put all the rules and materials together to make the instruction booklet or flyer, and another would have to make question cards from the questions their group game up with.
Along with the different parts of the project that are due I also want them to be giving feedback to their peers. The problem here is that I do not necessarily want students to see other groups projects and take their ideas. So, I am thinking that once a group has completed the part of the project they will have one other group that they will be giving feedback to. I would require each student to make one comment on the others' Wiki telling them things they are doing well and what they can improve on. I would only allow the group whose project it is to edit the page and the others will just be able to view. I will have them leave comments after each part of the project. Lastly, I want to make sure the students understand what quality feedback is and what I expect from them. So, before the first set of comments they leave I will have a quick lesson showing quality feedback and not quality feedback. I may have to do this before each time they have to comment. If I do not do this I could see students being lazy with their comments, so I want to prevent this from happening.
I think this project could be very successful with the changes I have made. Other changes may have to be made based on the students or because of problems I did not predict. I also think students will be engaged and excited about this project because it combines working in a group, technology, and games all into one project. These are all things, in my experience, that students really enjoy and respond well to. I am very excited to try this out in my future classroom!
I really liked your History board game idea for your Wicked Project. I would have been curious how students in upper elementary would have done with this. When I went on Wiki for the first time I was confused at the format; however, with teacher support and guidance for this project, I am sure it would have been successful and engaging for kids.
ReplyDeleteI think it would be a great idea to assign roles for your students. Although children like the idea of choice, in this particular project it is important to guide students toward the final product. It would be helpful to give your kids an example of a board game on the Wiki of what you expect. It could be for any subject. Although they may “borrow” some of the ideas, they still have to implement it on their own. I love that I am in my second year of teaching fifth grade because I have saved so many projects from last year to model what I expect from students.
Great job Amanda!
I appreciate that you have included more specifics to the project. I like the idea of breaking students into roles. It may be effective if you more specifically defined the roles, like, "Agriculture Enthusiasist" or "Economic Investigator", etc...
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of going "cross-group" for peer commenting. Are students also going to be commenting on their own group members?
Have you created an example wiki with the "structure" based on roles, etc? This has the potential to be a great resource.
I really like the overall group project of creating a board game. It is a very authentic activity and the thought processes that go into the creation of it are very impressive. I also like that you are now going to start with an introduction about how to use WikiSpaces. As someone who is not entirely familiar with the site, I think that a tutorial is a great idea. Additionally, I like that you are going to break the students up into specific job tasks. From my experience, I have found that students often become overwhelmed with large projects. Therefore, your idea to break down the tasks is a good one.
ReplyDeleteI really like how your project evolved over the course of these activities, and I think you have something really great moving forward.
This has come a long way! I love the idea of creating a game board. Giving choices is always great, and this could be a good method for differentiation within the groups Having students with specific roles is always really helpful for them to know exactly what they are responsible for and what they need to contribute to the group. Explicit instructions and examples can make a world of difference. Collaboration seems to go well when we make sure that each student has responsibilities and a way to contribute in the group. This project sounds perfect to give them that opportunity! Like Chuck mentioned, be specific and give names to those roles. These roles can also limit arguments or problems that often come along with projects involving creativity. It would be fun to start the project not just with Wiki tutorials, but maybe also a game day to give students exposure to a variety of games. I know with my students in this demographic, they do not play board games and often are not familiar with what goes into the rules/procedural texts, and the variations that they could create their games. Great job!
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