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Monday, June 30, 2014

New Product Alert - Responsibility and Project Based Learning

I usually don't like to post about my new TpT products, but I'm really excited about this one! It has taken me quite a while to create and perfect it. I think it is also something that any middle school or high school teacher can use in their room.


This product is a bundle of three things. The first part is a Project Planning Sheet. The Project Planning Sheet should be filled out before any work on the project begins. With this sheet, students figure out what type of project they want to do, what materials they need to do the project, and what they want to accomplish. (The teacher sets and objective, and the students go from there.)
The second part of this bundle is a set of General Project Guidelines. This can be used during the planning phase and the work time. The General Project Guidelines give students an idea of what types of projects they can do, and what they entail. There is also a list of basic materials needed, and a "this type of project is for me, if..." section. That way, students can easily pick the project that best interests them, suits the time that they have to complete it, and in which they have the materials for. 
The third part is a basic rubric. The General rubric is also to be used during the planning process and the work periods. They help students make important decisions on what they should include in their project. This gives students an idea of how they will be graded as well.



This bundle allows the teacher to give more and more responsibility in creating projects to the students. 
You can start small and pick 2-4 project types, that way you are grading similar type projects. This is a great idea that allows students to get the hang of this project format too. Later on, you can give students full reign of the different types of projects, and they can be as creative as possible. 
Learning is greatly customized with this product. Students learn responsibility at their own pace, and they get to tap into their own interests with this project format as well. You could combine this with learning contracts for students that have IEPs, or for students that are at a different level than most of your class. 
Most importantly, it takes a ton of the work off of a teacher's shoulders. With this project format, the teacher can truly be a facilitator. 

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