This week we have been discussing about PBL. I find PBL highly motivating, even for those usually not interested in learning, especially when combined with technology or something practical. It also promotes teamwork and collaboration; it provokes communication and cooperation and ends with pleasant emotions of pride and satisfaction. As I have once said, there is no greater reward than seeing all of my students being very busy making a robot made of pieces of toys, a paper rocket, a wooden bridge or musical instruments.
PBL is also perfect for implementing alternative assessment. We have been introduced to Rubistar, a tool that helps the teacher who wants to use rubrics. This useful tool, Rubistar, provides generic rubrics that can be adapted, published or printed and it will certainly help me revolutionize my grading when my students are doing the projects. I have created a rubric on creating a poster for the 7th grade, but I have slightly changed some details, such as points. Using rubrics allows me to mark different aspects of projects, such as creativity, organization and timelines.
We also had an extra task, creating a WebQuest. At first I was a little bit confused by this tool, but then I read the tips on Nicenet and created my very first WebQuest about Strange Instruments. I find this activity very enjoyable and I will definitely use this tool for my future projects.
We have also discussed about our problems regarding the final project and named the tools that could help us in solving the problems. This thread on Nicenet is one my favourite and I will often come back to it in search of useful ideas and tools.
I have to admit that this week has been the most stressful to me, because of my busy schedule, but I gave my best to do all the tasks. The next week I have a two-day school trip, so I have to organize myself the best I can.
Hey Marija!
ReplyDeleteGreat summary of what we did this week! Like you, I felt stressful and that because all these things were really new to me! I still haven't thought about my Webquest but I will try to upload it by the end of next week! |as for the 2-day trip, I am sure you will make it to doing all the tasks in time, so please try to enjoy yourself and have some fun! You deserve it!!
Hello Georgia,
ReplyDeleteThank you very much! WebQuest is not as difficult as it seems at first, but it does require some extra time. Wish you look with it and knowing you for these couple of weeks I'm sure yours is going to be great!
Thanks for the wishes and if I manage to get used to tomorrow's 10 degrees, knowing that yesterday we had 30 degrees, than the rest is going to be easy :)
Marija
Hello Marija!
ReplyDeleteI see that you are very enthusiastic and hard working. Your WebQuest is really nice. The topic is engaging and I think students will like it. The photos are so interesting. Currently I am working on my WebQuest and hope to complete next week.
By the way, in Ukraine it is also very cold today. Hope the weather will be good and you enjoy your school trip.
Good luck.
Victoria
Hello Victoria,
ReplyDeleteThank you very much. As I have previously said, my WebQuest could be better, but considering it is my first one, I think it is good enough. I'm looking forward to seeing your WebQuest and I'm sure your topic is going to engaging, too.
Unfortunately, the weather is going to be bad for three days, which means both days of my school trip. After those three winter days, we're going to jump back into summer again. Isn't that crazy!?
Thank you and I will certainly think of you all and I'll occasionally go to Nicenet discussion using my mobile.
Marija