So I tested out my scavenger hunt on my fifth grade guinea pigs (I mean, students) yesterday. Success! They seemed to have a lot of fun doing it. The one small problem I noticed is their reliance on me and others for help. They don't take the time to read. I had to repeatedly tell them that the information is all right there and that they must search for it! This was not only an activity of how well do they read for comprehension, but also their search skills.
I hope to get the wiki they are going to be the authors of up and running this week. If all goes well, they will be adding to it on Friday. Now, I'm just worried about them saying, "I don't know what else to write" or "I'm done" (when really there's more that can be added). I'll be meeting with the SBTS at my school on Monday to create the wiki and I hope to plan ahead for that by writing detailed prompts in there. Our ITSopedia wiki is my guide in terms of how I plan to get them started. If they write in bulleted form I think it'll be easier and then these bullets can be formed into sentences and eventually paragraphs.
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Congratulations on the success of your scavenger hunt. If it was the first time your 5th graders have done this type of project, it's expected that they will rely on you for help. However, I do agree with you on the fact that they don't read, my 3rd graders are the same way. I'm sure the next time you do a scavenger hunt they will be more self-reliant and independent due to their previous experience.
ReplyDeleteWOW! You have embraced the idea of a wiki so fast. It is great to see that it is working for you and your students. It's neat to read the process you are going through to make it work. I think we can all learn from your blog about wiki's and the process of making it work with students.
ReplyDeleteI like your idea of having students make bullet points. I think since this is new to you and your students, bullets will be a great way to ease into using a wiki.I can't wait to read your next blog to hear how it works!
You are amazing! Between the writing SOL next week (AHH!) and the units going on, how are you finding the time?! Let me in on your secret. :)
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, the bullets first will help them form the ideas. Just like with the writing process, preplanning comes first. :)
I understand completly about students relying on you or other students before trying to really do the work themselves. Have you thought of giving them a partner to work with? Myabe with two of them, since this is a new activity for many of them, this would work better? Just an idea, which I'm sure you have thought of! :)
Boosh! Sounds like you really have things rolling with your guinea pigs...I mean, students! I think the student-reliance factor is something that can fade over time. As the students get used to such projects and tools, their need to cling to the teacher will disappear...I hope.
ReplyDeleteI don't always follow this mode very well myself but a rubric could be created for the students to use as a resource. This would hopefully alleviate some of their concerns and puts up front the requirements (reading comprehension, searching goals, detailed answers, etc.) of the project or scavenger hunt. Just a thought! Keep up the great work, Nicole!
Thanks all! Your feedback is great--it gives me good ideas that I may not have considered and motivation! :)
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