Evaluating Project part 2

As we draw our project to a close, we continued to evaluate the end results this week. NCATE indicator 6 on Instructional Strategies was obtained by providing many opportunities for the students to problem-solve together, discover answers, and cooperate. I evaluated this through their work samples and through teacher observations during instruction time. NCATE indicator 7 on Communication was obtained through verbal and nonverbal communication with the students and myself. I evaluated this through my conferences that were held with the students and through observations in the classroom. NCATE indicator 8 on Assessment was evaluted by having the students write about our project in their journal, my teacher conference notes, and anecdotal notes from my observations. NCATE indicator 9 on Technology was obatined by using our projector and ELMO to display student writing and work samples to the class and by having them view our blog each week to see the things that were going on during the project. The students enjoyed hearing some of the comments from other teachers. NCATE indicator 10 on Professionalism was obtained by respecting others during our project. I heard the students addressing each other using respectful tone and phrasing instead of being hateful towards each other. I modeled this behavior for them as well.

My students are not wanting to stop our project. I do believe that we are going to continue this throughout the rest of the school year. It has had such a positive effect on the atmosphere in our classroom. I do think however, that we are going to change up partners for the second semester so that it will be a little different for them. Also, since I will be out on maternity leave from January through the middle of February, it will help the sub by having them be so caring and helpful to each other.

Useful websites:
http://www.specialconnections.ku.edu/cgi-bin/cgiwrap/specconn/main.php?cat=instruction&section=main&subsection=udl/cooperative

http://www.jigsaw.org/