Promote Student Choice through Project Based Learning
By Cheryl Boes
Choices! Choices! How can a teacher provide her students with choices and not go crazy trying to develop unique lessons for each student? It is really quite simple, design a project that is content-rich and allow students to choose how they will exhibit their knowledge. Project based learning provides the perfect framework for engaging students with the curriculum and integrating technology too.
PROJECT IDEA: This article will highlight specific projects that engage students with social studies content while
using language arts’ skills to communicate that knowledge. Fifth grade students in our district study famous Americans who have made contributions to our society. Using a variety of reference materials from biographies to websites to on-line video clips, students read about and process an incredible amount of information. Now it is time for students to present this knowledge to others precisely and creatively.
Once the research process is complete, allow students to demonstrate their knowledge using one or more of these project ideas. While a PowerPoint or Keynote presentation may show what they know, why not offer other choices to engage students and make presentation time all the more entertaining and informational?
Famous American Rap--Write the lyrics for a rap song that teaches the listener all about his or her life. Be sure to include important dates and contributions to society. A catchy chorus always helps to hook your listener. What is it that you want everyone to remember about this person? Answer that question and include this idea in your chorus. Teach students about rhyming, alliteration, assonance and syllables to assist them with their song writing. These are techniques that the professionals use. Record the rap song using GarageBand, Audacity or other similar programs. Burn a CD for all to enjoy and learn from.
Postcard Project—Using a drawing program such as Kid Pix or HyperStudio students will draw a detailed illustration that represents their famous American. It could include a sketch of the person but shouldn’t be limited to that. Encourage students to think creatively. If their famous American was inventor
12 12 | Winter 2010/11 | MACULJOURNAL
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