Active Learning and the 21st Century Learner

 Image: Glowforge

Active Learning

Active Learning is a term that I have embraced in my classroom.  But what is active learning? University of MN: Center for Educational Innovation discusses that active learning should involve lots of student engagement and allow students to be active in their learning.  Rather then seeing students as a glass to fill, students are able to fill the glass themselves.  The students should be "writing, talking, problem solving, or reflecting".  In the active learning continuum there is a progression from simple (doing a quick reflection ) to complete which involves Forum Theater or Inquiry learning.     

Project

I have been fortunate to have a Glowforge in my classroom.   This is a laser cutter that is able to cut pieces using a few different options and materials.  Students are able to cut, engage or score their designs.  My amazing PTO paid for this piece of equipment and it is has been an amazing tool to help my students with active learning.  In this particular project students are asked to look around and create a question.  This question could be as simple as "How do you keep your items organized?" or "How do people have fun?".  The students would then problem solve their own problem.  The students then create three concepts to answer this question.  The students then take their best idea and create a template for their idea.  They start by cutting it out in cardboard first.  This gives them the opportunity to revise their template and make any changes they need.   Once the template is to their liking, students then cut out their final.  The final projects range from robots, games, organizers for their lockers or for at home, and so many many in-between.   This is the document the students are asked to fill out. Glowforge Assignment.  The students will then create a communication piece (this is part of the engineering design process) by creating a video to sell their product to the Shark Tank sharks.  Students are able to watch a clip of one company presenting their idea of the panel as a model to help spark ideas on how to present their idea.  

Here are some examples of prototypes my students have made:

Image: Personal Photos

Image: Personal Photos

Image: Personal Photos

Image: Personal Photos

Reflection

This project has been met with a lot of success in my classroom.  Students love the engagement, ability to pick their project, and design something that has importance to them.  One area that is a struggle for some groups is coming up with ideas.  Some groups will spend time in the beginning trying to figure out what to do and may feel frustrated.  I have tried to keep a list or idea bank but I might start to develop one for students that area struggling.  This project is self directed so students who struggle with unstructured time may have a hard time keeping their focus.  Students have a choice in who they pick to work on this project work so that has helped keep projects somewhat on time.  Students don't want to disappoint a friend so they will keep working through.  Students are also more comfortable with friends so they are able to take more risk on their thought process.  Since my class schedule is structures on quarters, I am able to modify any new lessons each quarter.  One item that I think would elevate this would involve having a panel of sharks to review and discuss each groups product and presentation.  Students would hear feedback form not only me but others in the community.  Students are working on this in various levels throughout the quarter, I think I would need to set this up as a panel that would provide insight when the groups are available rather then a big presentation at the end.   Another part that I would need to adjust is the rubric and how others would provide feedback to the students.