Projects

Assignment Handout

Exemplars

There are a wide range of educational philosophies, theories and strategies that can be integrated within a personalized learning system. Many of these undergird or relate to the larger concept of Personalized Learning.  Participants will select one of these philosophies, theories, or instructional practices to study before our next class. In conducting the research, you will do the following:

• Read and research somewhat widely on your philosophy or theory, reading 20 - 30 pages (plus or minus) to get a well-rounded perspective on the topic.

• Create a one-page, one-sided document or similar presentation that highlights the main tenets of the philosophy or theory (This could be done in several different ways – concept map, graphic organizer, outline, etc. – your choice!). Provide enough detail to explain the tenets. Information will be posted on the Educational Theory and Practice page.

• Include a reference list of sources used to create the one-page document (title, author, and journal/book/educational magazine or newspaper/credible website) using APA format.

• Use a variety of resources unless you locate a meta-analysis on the subject.

• Scoring will be done using the this rubric.

Educational Philosophy Exemplars

Objective: Students will create a Personal Learning Plan that includes, but is not limited to the following:

Identity: participant introduction includes relevant information, experience, and teaching philosophy.

Goals: At least three, standards-based professional goals with a plan to collect evidence for those goals.

• • Included in these goals should be the implementation of some form of personalized learning, pursuant to Act 77 and the EQS.

  • Plan should include timeline, objectives, evidence of achievement, methods of reflection, proposed feedback mechanisms, and student outcomes.

Evidence: the Personal Learning Plan will include evidence of growth and learning by the participant or evidence that the participant plans to collect through the process of completing their implementation plan. 

• Reflection: As part of the Personal Learning Plan, participants should have a plan and mode for regular reflection, and identify the level of privacy desired.

Transformation

• Resources: The Personal Learning Plan should have a space reserved for resources that the participant finds to be particularly valuable or relevant to their practice.

• Professional Learning Network: Participant will identify a variety of ongoing print, digital, and multimedia sources that support their professional development and Personal Learning Plan. Participant should also have a plan identifying regular periods of research, reflection, and participation in this network supportive of their educational growth.

February - April

Using their understanding of  personalized learning, elements of personalized learning and associated educational initiatives, participants will develop an action research project for implementation in their learning community, team or organization.

Project Criteria

Project Title

• State title of project in less than 10 words.

Abstract

• Describe your action research project and what you hope to learn from it in 30 words or less. 

Introduction & Rationale

I can explain the rationale for my project and describe the purpose, including:

• I can formulate a meaningful research question 

• I can describe how my research question addresses elements of personalized learning;

• I can provide a review of at least three resources that support my rationale or are connect my project to personalized learning; 

Project Description & Implementation Plan

I can describe my project, including:

• A description of the participants involved,  the setting, and the audience(s) for the research (students, faculty members, administrators, colleagues, teammates or community)

• Evidence of how I will incorporate input from students, colleagues, teammates or team members to inform my research project prior to and during implementation (ex. Using student interviews, focus groups, surveys to inform my action research plan)

Data Collection

I can outline how data will be collected including:

• A timeline that includes when and how I will collect and analyze data and if relevant, describes the involvement of others as research partners (ex. colleagues, students, teammates, coaches, administrators, etc)

• A description of how and when I will collect data using methods such as student work, exit tickets, classroom discussions, interviews, focus groups, surveys, observations, and document review

• An explanation of how I will analyze data to evaluate the effectiveness of my project

Action Research Rubric

Examples

• Interview: Flexible Pathways Director, Hartford High School

• Self Reflection for Younger Grades

• Negotiated Curriculum for Engineering Students

Assessment

As part of your workshop, we can use elements of the Center for Educational Leadership's Rubric (below) or we can use the rubric/evaluation tool that your school use to evaluate your performance. Participants should select ONE or TWO specific strands to focus on with the lesson. Please make sure to tell the instructor what tools you would like used for evaluation and self-assessment of the workshop or lesson.

In the final session of the course, participants will present their Personal Learning Plan and final project through a presentation of learning. Presentations should range from 20 - 25 minutes and should include the following:

• • 1. An understanding of personalized learning

    2. Demonstration of goals and the evidence collected in the process of achieving those goals;

    3. Outline and description of the action research project;

    4. Reflection on course learning, the PLP process, and/or personal learning project outcomes;

    5. A plan for continued professional development.

FINAL PROJECT RUBRIC