Portfolio of Jan Abernethy

3d Using Assessment in Instruction 

 

The Fantastic Ferrets created a PSSA Wikispace to house all of their preparation for the state testing. The motto in our class is to share what we learn with the world so they can learn too. Below are a few examples of student created interactive projects, but you can click on the screenshot of the wiki to see the whole website.

 

I provided students the tools and resources for PSSA preparation and they used it to create their own games. What I'm sure they didn't think about was the research they were doing and the preparation for the test they were taking on for their own sake. Students worked collaboratively, and the conversations were as important as the product. They discussed what they thought was important and  what they thought everybody already knew and didn't need to be included. The teamwork brought a broad variety of ideas for topics and design.

 

When the projects were done, the students were so excited to share them with their classmates. They wanted to share what they knew, what they learned and how they had put it together in a clever way. Although all students were given the same assignment, you will see a variety of levels of skill and a variety of levels of design. The uniqueness and the ability to put their own stamp on something appeals to the kids. Anytime I can build in choice I do, because anytime there is choice, students claim ownership and take a vested interest in their own learning.