What if… Science and Wiki’s
What if students, elementary through high school, were to develop their own research projects (new research, not something that every other student is doing in a science kit), and share their process and results through a wiki? Things I like about this idea: 1) it is learning for a purpose; 2) each team can work on a different research project; 3) teams can decide on what is meaningful to them, even if their topic revolves around a needed objective in the classroom; 4) the wiki component is not simply regurgitating information, but creating new knowledge and sharing it with others (and opening it up for other to contribute).
I believe this type of class project can meet classroom/state objective requirements, move students to a higher level of thinking AND work to bring relevant projects into the classroom.
May 17th, 2006 at 5:08 pm
I agree! I think wikis are an excellent tool and engage students by getting them to ask the questions. They learn so much more as they ask and answer their own questions through exploration and learning. This creates life long learners! I agree totally!
May 18th, 2006 at 9:26 pm
Jerram,
I really like your what if postings… keep’um coming.
May 23rd, 2006 at 5:14 pm
…and… the Wikis can be viewed by anyone — so students could get responses on their work from actual scientists (out there in the “real” world) and not just their teacher or other students.
…and “what if” –
They pair-up with another class in another state or even another country and both groups do the same research and then share and compare their findings with each other…
Very fun ideas!
And much more relevant and engaging than worksheets, test-prep, or teacher-centered instruction.
June 29th, 2006 at 4:01 pm
I was talking to a student today and she said that the great thing about wikis is that you have to know the FACTS before posting. She said that in 30 minutes she felt like she truly could learn most anything by working with a partner and summarizing the information on a wiki.
That is what teaching is about! I think that wikis are an undervalued and highly valuable tool for teachers. I have a student creating an AP wiki with other students from our school and a few from other schools as they complete information to study for the AP exam. This is collaborative work at its best, in my opinion!
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