Higher Visions

 

Our group name is Higher Visions.  We want to take our children as far as possible.  We want to help them reach the stars!  Through the use of the internet and every changing technology, students now have the ability to go far beyond simply learning out of text book and sitting in a classroom!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Group Motto    

Our group motton is an acronym.  T.E.C.H.

T- take

E-every

C-Child

H-higher

Group Project

 

 

Our group project is (drum roll please) Geometry in the Real World!

 

Geometry in the

Real World

What an inspiring topic!  This topic is based off of a teacher that utilizes a project based assessment strategy for her geometry class.  She allows them to become architects.  The students work collaboratively on the project and have the ability to complete a truley authentic project.  The students also work with real architects.  they are graded on multiple areas of the project.  They present their final buildings in front of the class and architects.  It is as if they are pitching an idea for a real school building of the future!  One of the keys to success for this project is creating public knowledge of what is expected.  The teacher accomplishes this by creating multiple grading rubrics.  She also has rubrics for the students.  The students also must reflect often and thouroughly.  It is an amazing project and I encourage everyone to take a look at this link! -amanda

Geometry

 

 

Group members

 

Marianne

Shayne

Archangela

Jaime

Amanda

 

Links to our personal Wiki Sites:

 

Amanda- http://itisawikiworld.pbwiki.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

MOTIVATIONAL  GEOMETRY

 

Students at Mountlake Terrace High School near Seattle, Washington are getting the full meaning of real world, authentic learning. These students are designing a 2,000 student state of the art school to meet the learning needs in the year 2050. Working shoulder to shoulder with local architechs, these students take this assignment seriously. Students work collaboratively to make their structure "come to life."

 

The research and effort these students put into this project would parallel any architectural firm. These students in Eeva Reeder's geometry classes are in competition to design the winning school. Local architects are the judges. Cooperation is the key amoung group members, where designs, contracts,  drawings, and notes are maintained. Eeva Reeder is knows the importance of hands-on real life applications in learning. She believes that this competition gives students a taste of the real world.

 

Conflict resolution and fair, even participation are part of the group's goal in collaborating, along with the designs, of course. Students work with rubrics to refine their projects. Ms. Reeder plays the role of "guide at the side" with her students. She is available for consult and feedback. Reeder believes that student reflection holds the magic for lifetime learning. She knows the importance of reflecting on all of the aspects of group work, from conception to final product. Reflection deepens understanding. Reeder uses rubrics because the clearly show the student the level of her expectations.

 

Upon scoring, the judges offer their opinions and the students are allowed to ask questions about their projects. What a learning tool!!New beginnings and team leaders have emerged from these competitions! Working with the architects gave new credibility to the term "feedback." The students were getting expert advise and loving it. The architechts told the students about their great ideas, and this sent the students soaring. The students got to shine using this high-energy, real world project. The teacher was filled with pride. What a great way to learn.

 

Students today appreciate real world, authentic learning. Technology can make real world learning " kicked up a notch." This is the perfect pairing for our Digital Natives. Most schools couldn't go to these lengths. I think it is great for schools to be able to do such a high caliper achievement with their students. Learning how to work together gives you a head start for the real world. In our group, Higher Vision, we work well together. We appreciate each other. We stick together and help each other. In our new endeavor, WIKI, this is another task we will tackle together to achieve a winning goal.

 

                                                                                                                                                                                      MARIANNE