International Development Project
A Project by #RHSScgw at Rick Hansen Secondary School
The Inspiration!
The Challenge!
Learning Goals
By the time we finish the International Development Project you will be able to:
- analyze the causes and effects of economic disparities around the world
- analyze the impact of selected global trends on people at the global level
- analyze instances of international cooperation and conflict and explain the factors that contributed to each
- communicate the results of geographic inquiries, using appropriate terms and concepts and a variety of forms and techniques including video, audio, and other technologies
Project Based Learning
To reach our learning goals we will employing the Project Based Learning approach. Project Based Learning is a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to a complex problem or challenge. You are grade 12's so I'm going to up front with you... here are the essential elements of Project Based Learning and what I'm hoping for:
- Significant Content - At its core, the project is focused on teaching students important knowledge and skills, derived from standards and key concepts at the heart of academic subjects.
- 21st century competencies - Students build competencies valuable for today’s world, such as problem solving, critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and creativity/innovation, which are explicitly taught and assessed.
- In-Depth Inquiry - Students are engaged in an extended, rigorous process of asking questions, using resources, and developing answers.
- Driving Question - Project work is focused by an open-ended question that students understand and find intriguing, which captures their task or frames their exploration.
- Need to Know - Students see the need to gain knowledge, understand concepts, and apply skills in order to answer the Driving Question and create project products, beginning with an Entry Event that generates interest and curiosity.
- Critique and Revision - The project includes processes for students to give and receive feedback on the quality of their work, leading them to make revisions or conduct further inquiry.
- Public Audience - Students present their work to other people, beyond their classmates and teacher.
source: http://bie.org/about/what_pbl
The Process
Identifying a problem
Be sure to select an issue or problem that is specific enough to have a clearly defined solution.
Research
- accessing articles and websites
- watching documentaries in your group
- contacting industry experts (email, twitter, video conferencing)
- conferencing with your teacher
- reading print resources provided by your teacher
Product
- an Op-Ed newspaper article to be written by each group member
- a 30-45 minute live internet radio show showcasing your topic and solution
Mentors
When contacting these mentors it is important to respect their schedules and to not place an unreasonable demand on their time or resources. Contacting the mentors during class is preferred over contacting them outside of school hours.
Assessment & Evaluation
Once again, I'll be up front with you. Your success with this project goes beyond the products that you produce. The conversations that you have with one another and with me during this process, as well as my observations of the work that you conduct, all make up a portion of your overall assessment (yes, I mean your mark).
Daily check-in. It will be an expectation that you provide a daily summary of what your group accomplished each day of the project. To do this you will create a Google Doc to document a quick summary (only one report is needed per group and you must share it with your teacher).