EDUGRL

I jumped in with two feet – eyes closed and heart thumping. Yes, this year I launched into student-directed learning and e-portfolios. While I did this with the solid belief that this is the right way to go, I get all sweaty with second thoughts, because what I am doing is so antithetical to all that is going on around me. I am not going all political, as I save that for another blog, but suffice it to say that I am at a “low performing” school with a high percentage of low income students. We are data driven and follow a calendar of benchmarks and objectives tied to the state test. That is where my trepidation resides. How do I show that I am following this script and have my students become self-directed, lifelong learners. Well, it isn’t easy, but I am bulldozing through. I have been fortunate for the support of a local foundation for grants that have supported technology and innovative teaching ideas. This year I am using my grant monies for global student collaboration, e-portfolios and increased tech integration.

The heart of my instruction is the creation of student blogs that will showcase all of my students learning experiences in English class. My students will choose their own readings in novels, short stories, poetry, drama and film. They will also choose how they present their learning within the parameters I set out for the analysis of these genres. I have also required that one novel is a classic, that one novel be read as a literature circle and that half of the works chosen represent other cultures.

One of the strengths of this project is that I get to conference with my students on their reading choices and methods of presentation allowing me to get to know my students better, to modify the project to student needs and accommodations and to troubleshoot individual issues.

Links to student portfolios

Seniors

Sophomores

My sample e-portfolio blog

My class blog

Project handouts

At the start of every school year I ask students to write their credo. I use Helen Caldicott’s credo as an example. We then write them again at the close of school and see how they compare.

This  year I am adding a wonderful curriculum created by NPR based on their popular This I Believe” program. This amazing resource blends effective, realistic writing activities with san opportunity to consider personal beliefs, philosophies and values.

The teacher’s guide is packed with excellent teaching ideas. I will be using it to build on mt students’ essay writing and creative writing. The curriculum describes their essay type as the personal essay.

There are many effective lead-in activities and warm ups for discussing personal philosophies and beliefs. Since all my students have created their their own blogs, which will be their e-portfolios, they will post their activities and writings.

I am launching this blog site as my 2010 new year’s resolution. I resolve to take the most positive approach to my educational future and goals despite some of the most daunting challenges facing educators in years. While daunting, one cannot deny the excitement that the challenges of the new technologies have presented to teachers who crave innovation and seek creative expression. That is why is I have thrived in this profession, the ability to express myself as an educator and to facilitate that experience for students..