Turning Points:

1: Project Launch & Planning:

• Objective: Students understand the project’s goals, roles, and expectations. They assign roles and begin initial research on their chosen changemaker.

• Formative Assessment:

  • Role Understanding Check: Conduct a group discussion where students briefly explain their role and responsibilities in the project.

  • Research Notes Review: Teacher reviews research notes (e.g., Google Docs or shared folder) to ensure students are selecting credible sources and have gathered enough information about their changemaker.

2: Research Compilation & Team Collaboration:

• Objective: Students finalize their research and begin to synthesize their findings. They organize their research and collaborate within the group.

• Formative Assessment:

  • Group Check-in: Each student shares one key insight from their research. The teacher checks for understanding of the changemaker’s impact and relevance.

  • Progress Review: The Producer reviews progress via the project board and updates it based on the team’s task completion.

  • Research Presentation: Have students present their findings to their group, ensuring the information aligns with the theme and can contribute to the final podcast.

3: Script Development:

• Objective: Students write the first draft of the podcast script and engage in peer review for feedback and revisions.

• Formative Assessment:

  • Draft Review: The teacher or peer reviewers assess the script for organization, clarity, and relevance to the podcast’s focus. Check for integration of all research material.

  • Peer Feedback Session: Students exchange scripts and provide feedback using a structured rubric (e.g., clarity, factual accuracy, flow, engagement).

  • Script Revisions: Students revise the script based on feedback, ensuring the message is coherent and engaging for the audience.

4: Recording Preparation:

• Objective: Students rehearse the script and prepare for the actual podcast recording, ensuring technical setups are ready.

• Formative Assessment:

  • Rehearsal Reflection: After a read-through or rehearsal, students provide a self-assessment on their delivery and teamwork. The teacher listens for fluency and clarity in the script’s reading.

  • Equipment Check: Audio engineers test the recording equipment, ensuring all devices work correctly. Teacher verifies equipment and gives feedback on proper setup.

  • Rehearsal Feedback: A formative check to see how well the script is being delivered and if any revisions are needed before recording.

5: Podcast Production:

• Objective: Students record the podcast, edit the audio, and finalize the project. The group also creates the graphic design for the podcast thumbnail.

• Formative Assessment:

  • Recording Review: Teacher observes the recording session. Does the podcast adhere to the script? Are students engaging with each other and the content?

  • Audio Check: Audio engineers submit a short sample of the recorded audio for teacher feedback on sound quality and editing.

  • Final Editing Check: Teacher or peers listen to the final edited podcast to provide feedback on overall sound quality, pacing, and content.

6: Final Review & Presentation:

• Objective: The group finalizes the podcast, creates a webpage for the podcast, and prepares to present it to the class.

• Formative Assessment:

  • Peer Review of Final Product: Each group listens to the completed podcasts of other groups and provides feedback on content, presentation, and design.

  • Self-Assessment: Students complete a self-assessment rubric reflecting on their teamwork, role fulfillment, and individual contributions.

  • Presentation Evaluation: During the presentation, evaluate the clarity of the group's explanation about their changemaker, their involvement in the project, and their ability to respond to questions from the class.

7: Reflection & Project Closure:

• Objective: Students reflect on the overall project and the impact of their changemaker, evaluating their own learning process.

• Formative Assessment:

  • Reflection Journal: Each student writes a brief reflection on the project process, what they learned about their changemaker, and how they contributed to the group’s success.

  • Final Group Feedback: Groups provide feedback on each member’s contribution and the overall project experience, helping to reinforce team dynamics and growth.

  • Teacher Feedback: Provide feedback on each group’s final product, highlighting strengths and areas for growth.