Reading Reflection #7

   1.       There are three levels of classroom discussions. The first level is teacher to teacher. For this level, teachers are collaborating with each other. They discuss when the best opportunities are to work together, they create effective assessments, and discuss ways in which the students could be learning more effectively or parts of the project that they may be confused about that they need more clarification on. The second level is student to student. These discussions occur between students, where things such as the learning experience, team planning, team organization, project challenges, and effective feedback as discussed upon and given. The third level of classroom discussion is teacher to student. These could be whole class discussions, group discussions or even individual student discussions in which the teacher and the students discuss how the project is going and where changes might need to be made for success.

   2.       There are four types of questions for checking in. Each type helps the teacher to gain more information on the all the different teams, which are working in many directions, at many different speeds. The first type is procedural which can answer questions such as: “Are we staying on schedule?” and “Do we have the right materials available?” The second type is teamwork which can answer questions such as: “How are team members getting along?” and “Is one student carrying too much of the load for the whole team?”  The third question type is understanding, which can answer questions such as: “Have you ever thought about…?” and “Have you considered this research?” The final type of question is self-assessment, which can answer questions such as: “What is something challenging about this project?” and “What is frustrating about this project?”

   3.       There are many benefits to students when they optimize the use of technology within their project. These benefits include: researching the ultimate learning goals, helping them stayed organized, being able to connect to outside experts effectively, and having ready access to whenever they need/want to use the technology.

   4.       Teamwork is one 21^st century skill that can make or break a project. Teachers need to pay close attention to team dynamics. The teamwork skills the students learn during these big projects will serve them well for years to come. One good idea is to have each team develop a team contract. The contract would list out team members’ roles and responsibilities and list out consequences that will occur if someone does not live up to the expectation set. Having the peer pressure and standard set really helps all students to stay motivated into doing well on the project.

   5.       In relating to our school brochure project, we want to make sure that plenty of classroom discussion is happening. Classroom discussion between the teachers, students, and teachers/students is essential to get everyone on the same page and for voices to be heard. We also want to make sure that there are plenty of ways we as teachers are “checking in.” We want to keep in mind each side of the project, procedural, teamwork, understanding, and self-assessment and making sure we are excelling in every area. We also want out students to be using the technology available at an optimum level, helping them stay organized, engaged and collaborating with their peers and other experts. Finally, we also want to make sure each team is operating smoothly and efficiently, making sure everyone is getting along and treating each other respectfully.