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Can you spot the teacher in the classroom?

Taking charge





Today the students were presenting their work to the class in groups.


They were archaeologists who have discovered a site from where they have excavated many artifacts. They had to present these to an audience. I enjoyed how the lesson went:

1) Earlier, the students had read the task and came up with their own class rubric. Each success criteria was decided by them. As a result all the students were comfortable and knew exactly what to do and how to succeed at what they were doing. In case of some confusion, I had an intervention planned ahead.

2) They were going to present their work to their parents. So the audience was clear to them.

3) In order to see whether they were on track they had to present their project (in progress) while the student used the rubric to assess their work. Because of this, they knew their shortcomings and strong points. The feedback was critical because it allowed them the chance to improve on their assignment.

4) Student learned to argue why they should be at 4 and not 3 while their audience in turn gave reasons why they were on 3 and what they would need to do to be on 4.

5) There was learning taking place as students learnt to analyze their work and think logically.



Where was I?

I only stepped in to keep them on track or when the argument got heated. My involvement was modicum. I enjoyed observing. I learnt a lot about my kids. The silent ones spoke up. The vocal ones asked them questions, encouraging them to talk. They forgot I was in the class.

A day well spent…

Comments

  1. David WarrDecember 8, 2010 at 7:45 AM

    Great story, would have loved to be there too and learn all about the history of the artefacts.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Jennifer FentonDecember 9, 2010 at 3:57 AM

    Fantastic! Naini is there any way you could film some of your inquiry lessons so we could see them? I'd love to be able to share with colleagues here some of your creative and engaging classes.

    ReplyDelete

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