Inquiry Question:
How can we use research skills to encourage students to be motivated, independent learners in the elementary classroom?
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Project Explanation |
The Process |
After starting out in my grade 4 class at my practicum school, my teacher mentor and grade team teacher expressed a desire/interest to develop their students as more independent learners, as well as increasing student motivation. They had decided to change the format of the final periods on Friday afternoons and initiate a Genius Hour program before I started my practicum. I was interested in learning more about this program because of how it related to developing research skills in students and connected to ideas about student directed learning that I had been exposed to in university. I also agreed with my mentor and grade team teacher that this program could be used to motivate students, as well as increasing their abilities to work more independently (or with less need for constant guidance.)
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My students complete Genius Hour every Friday for approximately one hour. I monitored and assisted with their work and research.
I conducted research into the Genius Hour program itself as well as looking into successes that other teachers had had implementing a program of this variety. I examined how these research skills that are being developed can be included with our curricular responsibilities as teachers, as well as how research helps students develop independence and inspires motivation. I compiled the early results of this program in my grade 4 classroom, and included examples of the student work that was created. Student feedback about the program is also included. |
If you are working on something exciting that you really care about, you don't have to be pushed. The vision pulls you."
-Steve Jobs
Devon Peck
Devon graduated from the University of Lethbridge in 2019. She holds a B.A. and a B.Ed., both with Great Distinction. She grew up in Sylvan Lake, Alberta and completed her final 15 week professional semester at Beacon Hill Elementary School. This semester entailed a half time teaching position (English Language Arts, Science, and Art), and the development of a professional inquiry project.
Take a look at her portfolio for more information. |