Independent Study
Rationale: An independent study is an excellent way to get students interested at the beginning of a unit and give them a chance to share their ideas. Peak their interest with a "hook" - an event, video, or demonstration that gets students excited about the topic. Then ask them - What do you wonder about when it comes to _____? More often than not, a flurry of questions start being written down and shared. Tapping into that curiosity before students have been taught is great way to "hook" them for the whole unit.
Rationale: An independent study is an excellent way to get students interested at the beginning of a unit and give them a chance to share their ideas. Peak their interest with a "hook" - an event, video, or demonstration that gets students excited about the topic. Then ask them - What do you wonder about when it comes to _____? More often than not, a flurry of questions start being written down and shared. Tapping into that curiosity before students have been taught is great way to "hook" them for the whole unit.
Getting started...
Getting started...
This hook is a short video with no content. It's just time lapse photography of the weather to music, but I provide some background. The creator of this video took 2000 hours of footage in the midwest during tornado season. It really gives students to see the ever changing, fluid nature of weather.
This hook is a short video with no content. It's just time lapse photography of the weather to music, but I provide some background. The creator of this video took 2000 hours of footage in the midwest during tornado season. It really gives students to see the ever changing, fluid nature of weather.
That "hook" is so important. So finding something that makes YOU amazed and curious is a great place to start.
That "hook" is so important. So finding something that makes YOU amazed and curious is a great place to start.
Letting Them Ask Questions...
Letting Them Ask Questions...
Giving students that outlet to ask questions and see what others ask will help them chase after their interests.
Giving students that outlet to ask questions and see what others ask will help them chase after their interests.
The Padlet, to the left, is one way for students to post their questions. The trick is making sure students don't see each others questions before they have a chance to write their own. (see this video if interested) Once everyone has posted their questions, then you can approve them to be seen by others and "like" (heart) the questions they are also interested in answering.
The Padlet, to the left, is one way for students to post their questions. The trick is making sure students don't see each others questions before they have a chance to write their own. (see this video if interested) Once everyone has posted their questions, then you can approve them to be seen by others and "like" (heart) the questions they are also interested in answering.
Check out this finished example...
Check out this finished example...
Posting Their Study & Getting Feedback
Posting Their Study & Getting Feedback
Giving students a chance to present their work digitally so others can see it is great way to add value to their work. Then students can check out each other's work and leave feedback.
Giving students a chance to present their work digitally so others can see it is great way to add value to their work. Then students can check out each other's work and leave feedback.
Check out the Padlet below to see how they present their work and the form they used to provide feedback to other students.
Check out the Padlet below to see how they present their work and the form they used to provide feedback to other students.
Independent Study Feedback Form
Independent Study Feedback Form