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On Pulling Closed The Tangled Web

9/26/2013

1 Comment

 
In Junior English, my 33 students are in the middle of at least four major projects, plus all of the small-form threads that bind them together. They are working on an etymology project, eventually alongside Cheryl's students in California; this week, they made short videos on words that contained the root "tele." They are working on their BWP/20% project. They are reading Looking For Alaska and writing reading journals in a pretty dedicated way. Today, they started a photo essay project which requires them to take a single picture every hour for 24 hours (other than sleeping) and use those to narrate their typical day. 

Add to that all of the video clips on brain science/learning we're watching and analyzing, journals we're writing, and discussions we're having, and it gets to be a lot. For them and for me. 

I touched on this in an earlier post, but many times in my class, I know it feels like we're zooming from one big project to another, without a lot of connection. It even feels like that to me sometimes.

But I love watching the web we're weaving come together. I love watching student after student get hooked into what we're about in this class. Even when I feel incredibly scattered, and the students are in 3 different classrooms with colleagues who can monitor them, plus in the computer lab next door and in my room reading and recording and creating, I have to keep the endpoint in mind.

For a class that's driving at purely student-centered, there isn't really an Endpoint With A Capital E.  There are things I want to talk about with them, with respect to the book. I want them to be able to read closely and analytically, and I want them to find something they love and pursue it and share that passion with everyone around them.  The endpoint is I want you to know how to learn, both personally and academically. 

I just have to remind myself sometimes that the road to that place isn't straight. It's twisted, it's bumpy, and it's chaotic. And even on the days when I feel like I'm juggling about five balls more than my skill level allows, I am still convinced it's worth it. 
1 Comment
Carrie Baughcum link
9/26/2013 08:19:36 pm

It sounds like a wonderfully challenging and dynic class full of opportunities for all types of interests. All the shifts and turns and flips to the next project keep your students ever present, interested and never board. They are always shifting gears, changing and being challenged. I don't think the disconnect is a bad thing and I can tell that you realize it's an aspect that needs work but are also ok with it. I think that's fantastic. Maybe adding a reflective component to the projects, self assessment, high level reflection will help students make the connects you so desire.

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