Developing independent learning
- 1. Cherwell INSET: Developing Independent Learning in Group Work. Project-Based Learning: Long-Term Group Work
- 2. Project-Based Learning. David Hargreaves (2006a): Project Characteristics. Drivers of Engagement. Drivers of Deep Learning. 1. The project task is big and authentic – 1. The task is co-constructed by teacher a real-world problem to be solved. and student. 2. The task has clear, worthwhile 2. The task deepens students’ grasp of outcomes. two or more subjects/disciplines. 3. Completion depends on teamwork. 3. The task challenges and develops 4. The task takes some time to complete. multiple intelligences. 5. The task involves some time out of 4. The task involves making school. consequential decisions. 6. Successful product(ion) is celebrated 5. Completion depends on adult help and before and evaluated by an advice. appropriate audience. 6. Completion demands high levels of feedback.
- 3. How can Project-Based Learning develop Independent Learning in group work? 1. How students are grouped for the projects. 2. The structure and organisation of the project. 3. Individual and group accountability.
- 4. Grouping Students. The Friendship Group Divide.. Buddies.
- 5. The Victoria Sponge Technique. Top Grade/ Hard working Students.. Mixed Ability Students. Less Motivated Students.
- 6. Structure and Organisation. Clear deadlines that are shared with the students. A project handbook. Access to resources that enable the students to complete the task. Clear roles and tasks for the students to complete. For the project to have a clear and meaningful purpose for the students. Involve an out of classroom learning experience if
- 7. Individual and Group Accountability. For the Yr12 Sociology Project students had to....... As a group: As individuals: Produce a research A reflective journal proposal. of the student’s thoughts and Create a formal impressions presentation about throughout the the project and its research project. findings. The presentation could Write a answer to A2 have been a level essay question. powerpoint, glogster,
- 8. Student Feedback. “I liked working in teams to produce good quality pieces of work and presentations. It was also a fun thing to do to take a break from sitting in front of computers, doing portfolio work. It was quite refreshing to take a break from our previous working environment.” (Year 10 Student 1) “I feel ready for next year as it has prepared me to be more independent.” ( Year 12 Student 4) “Yes, we should do more project-based learning at A- Level because it has helped us to develop more independence with our learning and a range of skills.”
- 9. “If I wanted to do drama, I would have taken drama!” (Year 10 Student 4) “Hate drama activities or performing in front of the class. Felt forced into it without a WHOLE class opinion.” (Year 10 Student 5) “I didn’t like my group.” (Year 10 Student 6)
Editor's Notes
- #3: Q &A: What do you think of when you think of project-based learning?Similar to what David Hargreaves states in a number of papers he has written for the SSAT about personalised learning.David Hargreaves states....‘Projects have, sometimes justifiably, had a poor reputation in the past.’ (Hargreaves, 2006a:12). For project-based learning to be successful it needs to be constructed in the right manner. He provides a 12 point criteria for project learning so that they are constructed in the right manner.I used this criteria to construct my projects and I found that the more I followed it the more successful I felt the projects were.Yr10 Health and Social Care.Create a film or a podcast in the style of a public announcement film.Yr12 Sociology.Sociological research project.
- #8: Group Work: Discuss with the person next to you, your thoughts and ideas about how you could incorporate project-based learning within in your subject to develop independent learning through group work.Feedback.
- #10: Any questions? Thoughts? Reflections?