Standard 3D
With four months of virtual learning under my belt, I began the course LLT 532 Distance Education K-12. As my school was continuing with remote learning, this was a great time to begin to explore new ways to teach in the virtual classroom. One interesting and helpful opportunity was being able to see the virtual classroom from the students’ perspective. This gave me a better understanding as to how to best support my students in the virtual classroom.
As I began working on my course proposal assignment, I realized that virtual lecture based instruction may not be the best route, so I began to use more visual aids such as multimedia presentations (PowerPoints or Prezi and videos such as documentaries and films related to the lesson). I also began to create more project based assignments which allowed students to remain active participants in the virtual classroom.
Since my course proposal was in Government and Civics, I found that a final project would be more suitable than a final exam. This would allow students to use the knowledge they had learned and apply this to real world issues. Below is a three week plan of the students working on their final project.
Step One - Identify a Meaningful Issue
Take some time to consider what current issue matters to you . . . one that you want to see changed, furthered, have more attention drawn to it, etc. The main guideline for selection is that it would be an issue that can be addressed at the national or state level of government.
Facts on File: Issues & Controversies main page on Library site is helpful for brainstorming issues
Step Two - Individually or in Partner?
Determine if you would like to take on the project with another student or individually. This decision will primarily be determined by the topic of interest. Having a similar perspective is not a necessity as finding common ground is a needed practice in politics. Instead, the ability to work through the process together is important.
Investigate the issue . . . what is the current condition, what data is available to show that condition, what has or has not been done, and why does it matter? Gather notes including sources to build the understanding of the issue. Notes & sources will be submitted upon completion in a single Google Doc on Google Classroom.
Step Four - Identify the Target
Determine who you should target as the focus of your call to action. Is it an issue under national or state authority? What branch or branches or governmental bodies are involved? Is there a linkage institution that should be a target? Knowledge and investigation of the system are important here.
Knowing the issue of concern and the target to address, create a plan to encourage change. Outline what needs to be accomplished, its justification from prior research, how it would best be accomplished, and express those ideas persuasively to the target audience(s). Also, consider when writing that the action must be appropriate for the issue and target considering powers, etc. For this activity, the expression will likely take on the form of a letter or letters to the identified target(s). Letters or other approaches to expression will be submitted upon completion on Google Classroom.
Step Six - Sharing with the Class
In a "round table" presentation, individuals/partners will review their process with the rest of the group. This presentation should review the issue of concern, the target chosen, and the expression of the desired action. No slideshow or visual should be created, but preparation for a clear explanation should be evident. The presentation should answer the three questions below.
What is the issue and why does it matter?
Who is the target and why is that the appropriate audience?
What is the desired action and how will it help further the issue?
Step Seven - Follow Through
If you would like, follow through with your efforts. Send your letters or emails or other form of expression that you created to the intended targets. See what type of response you receive and use this project as a steppingstone for involvement in the system[EM1] .
Rubric
Total Points 100 pts
As I began working on my course proposal assignment, I realized that virtual lecture based instruction may not be the best route, so I began to use more visual aids such as multimedia presentations (PowerPoints or Prezi and videos such as documentaries and films related to the lesson). I also began to create more project based assignments which allowed students to remain active participants in the virtual classroom.
Since my course proposal was in Government and Civics, I found that a final project would be more suitable than a final exam. This would allow students to use the knowledge they had learned and apply this to real world issues. Below is a three week plan of the students working on their final project.
- Week Ten
Step One - Identify a Meaningful Issue
Take some time to consider what current issue matters to you . . . one that you want to see changed, furthered, have more attention drawn to it, etc. The main guideline for selection is that it would be an issue that can be addressed at the national or state level of government.
Facts on File: Issues & Controversies main page on Library site is helpful for brainstorming issues
Step Two - Individually or in Partner?
Determine if you would like to take on the project with another student or individually. This decision will primarily be determined by the topic of interest. Having a similar perspective is not a necessity as finding common ground is a needed practice in politics. Instead, the ability to work through the process together is important.
- Week Eleven
Investigate the issue . . . what is the current condition, what data is available to show that condition, what has or has not been done, and why does it matter? Gather notes including sources to build the understanding of the issue. Notes & sources will be submitted upon completion in a single Google Doc on Google Classroom.
Step Four - Identify the Target
Determine who you should target as the focus of your call to action. Is it an issue under national or state authority? What branch or branches or governmental bodies are involved? Is there a linkage institution that should be a target? Knowledge and investigation of the system are important here.
- Week Twelve
Knowing the issue of concern and the target to address, create a plan to encourage change. Outline what needs to be accomplished, its justification from prior research, how it would best be accomplished, and express those ideas persuasively to the target audience(s). Also, consider when writing that the action must be appropriate for the issue and target considering powers, etc. For this activity, the expression will likely take on the form of a letter or letters to the identified target(s). Letters or other approaches to expression will be submitted upon completion on Google Classroom.
Step Six - Sharing with the Class
In a "round table" presentation, individuals/partners will review their process with the rest of the group. This presentation should review the issue of concern, the target chosen, and the expression of the desired action. No slideshow or visual should be created, but preparation for a clear explanation should be evident. The presentation should answer the three questions below.
What is the issue and why does it matter?
Who is the target and why is that the appropriate audience?
What is the desired action and how will it help further the issue?
Step Seven - Follow Through
If you would like, follow through with your efforts. Send your letters or emails or other form of expression that you created to the intended targets. See what type of response you receive and use this project as a steppingstone for involvement in the system[EM1] .
Rubric
- Appropriately chosen topic pertaining to state or national level of government (30 pts)
- Background research notes
- complete & thorough
- includes supporting quantitative data
- source references included
- Specific & appropriate target audience(s) identified (20 pts)
- Expression to target(s) . . . (20 pts)
- includes clear description of issue
- uses research to justify need for action & approach
- persuasively details desired appropriate action
- proofread & follows established writing guidelines
- Presentation clearly & completely answers guiding questions (30 pts)
- What is the issue and why does it matter?
- Who is the target and why is that the appropriate audience?
- What is the desired action and how will it help further the issue?
Total Points 100 pts
| Government & Civics Course Proposal |