Reflection, Research, and Risk-Taking

Student Historians have been busy reflecting on their project and thinking about their work so far as they completed "The State of My Project" reflections. (The title is a take on the Presidential  "State of the Union" Address.) 

Students were asked to let their classmates know what topic they've settled on, what the approximate start and end date of their project topic is, how they feel their research is going so far, showing us their 4 Ts graphic organizer work at this point (especially the "triumph" and "tragedy"), and to let us know about any Aha moments or tips they may have for their classmates.

These quick presentations are really going well (we're doing a few each day). It's providing us the opportunity to celebrate the learning that's taken place, giving students the chance to publicly reflect on their work, and to learn from one another as they provide tips or share moments when things started to "click" for them.


I'm also taking a risk with a new twist: the NHD online Discussion Board. I have been working with all ten sections of US History classes again this year (my four sections and the six sections taught by my colleagues) and noticed many groups throughout the day are studying similar topics. These boards should provide all Student Historians the platform to share and learn from one another, even though they may be in other classes. 

I created ten discussion boards meant to cover the majority of this year's topics (and more will be added when/if the need arises). It's going to be exciting to see how the students will interact with each other. It could be a great community-building opportunity.



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