Class Information

Why does Mrs. Kopacek use TheRiver®?

* To create an individualized learning experience for each student * To engage students in learning more about the world * To develop student autonomy * To give students an ownership role in their learning * To allow students to learn about themselves as a learner

How does The River® work in Global Studies?

Each unit begins with a pre-assessment . This allows each student to begin their journey at a place that is appropriate for them.

The following steps in the process will occur in every unit, but not necessarily by every student, depending on the needs of the student. It's important to know that all of these steps are available to every student, no matter the outcome of the pre-assessment. See this visual and this visual to understand the requirements and options students have in The River®.

  1. Direct instruction in the form of whole group, teacher-led small groups or online instructional video (or a combination of the three). Students will also learn how to take Cornell notes to help them develop their own note taking and studying skills.

  2. Exploration into the field of global studies. Students are able to delve into the behaviors of the discipline of the people whose jobs depend upon the knowledge of global studies. Students are able to utilize skills that real geographers, historians, scientists, and policy makers need in order to make decisions about the world. Students will get the opportunity to choose something in the realm of global studies that interests them to read, research, create, inquire, and write about.

  3. Preparation for the future. Students will learn about themselves as a learner, which will give them the skills they will need for future long term success. Students will also have the opportunity to prepare themselves for the final project, which focuses on world problems. Students will be asked to create a solution and an action plan to help the world become a better place for its people. Students participating in the Washington, DC trip will also have an opportunity to prepare for their adventure in June.

  4. Application of the concepts. After demonstrating mastery of the content, students can choose a way to demonstrate that they can apply what they've learned in a real-world, creative way. These application projects can be (and are encouraged to be) interdisciplinary.

  5. Practice Activity for independent practice of the content and skills set by the Minnesota state standards. Students are given three options for practice activities by the teacher, but are also able (and encouraged) to demonstrate mastery of the content in the way that works best for them.

What will students be doing in Global Studies with The River®?

Learning!

The River® allows students to learn using their preferred learning style. We will begin the year learning about and answering the following:

* What does learning look like?

* How do I navigate learning?

* How do I learn best?

* How is my relationship with learning progressing?

Once students understand themselves as a learner, we can begin learning about the world in the form of global studies. Here is a breakdown of the units:

Maps

United States & Canada

Latin America

Europe & Russia

Southwest Asia & North Africa

Sub-Saharan Africa

South & Central Asia

East & Southeast Asia

Australia & Oceania

Students will also be learning the skills in order to be successful in middle school, high school, college, and the work force. Students will be reflecting on these skills at the end of each unit. These skills include:

* Completing assignments on time

* Maintaining a positive attitude

* Respecting people and rules

* Thinking critically and creatively

* Making wise decisions

* Putting forth effort

* Staying focused

* Practicing self-advocacy skills

* Preparing for assessments by using study skills

* Managing time appropriately

Troubleshooting

Read through some of the obstacles that some students have had while navigating The River®.

"I did poorly on the last test!"

It is common for 8th graders to be novices at the skills necessary to perform well on tests. Here are some questions you can ask to figure out what is going on:

* How did I prepare for this test?

* Do I know the study method that works best for me?

* Did I choose to demonstrate mastery in a way that works best for me?

* Did I participate in the small group or watch the instructional video even if I wasn't required to?

* Did I use all of my resources (teacher, other students, books, notes, online resources) when I didn't understand something?

"I don't like The River®!"

There may be some resistance to The River® because it's not how students have experienced school in the past. It's important to know that this class contains the basics of a "traditional" classroom environment, in that there is direct instruction, practice, and assessment. The difference is that students will participate in those activities in a way that meets their personal academic needs, as opposed to every student doing the same thing every day. Students will make decisions about their own learning journey. Sometimes students find that it can be frustrating because they have experienced adults making those decisions for them. As with anything else, practice is necessary for mastery, and it may take time for students to realize their ownership role in the path towards mastery.