Collaboration

__**Incorporating Collaboration**__

To introduce the PBL to my class, I will have them participate in a survey on the type of recess equipment that they would like to have in the new playground. I will record their responses and store them on a document for them to access later in their group research. I will model how to use Mictosoft Word and PowerPoint, and the wiki for this project. They will also maintain a journal to record what they have learned during the lesson. They will be able to refer back to this journal when preparing for the final project.
 * How will you facilitate an authentic collaborative learning experience to promote deeper student engagement with content skills and concepts?**

It starts with the open ended discussion to kick off the project. During the course of each lesson I will ask open ended questions to help guide their research. They will be provided with a list of websites where they can find the information needed to complete the assignment. When considering possible solutions, I will also ask questions that will encourage deeper thinking and conversation.
 * As members of collaborative groups, how will you support students’ efforts to identify solutions to the problem you are using as the framework for your PBL instructional unit?**

I will be using heterogeneous groupings for this unit. I've found with this particular group of students that I have, heterogeneous groups works bests because my over achievers try to outdo one another and my struggling students will get off task and chat about irrelevant topics. With this project, everyone's voice will be heard since they all have a vested interest in the playground equipment. Students will work in groups of 3-4 to complete the PBL which lends itself to meaningful conversation and extended thinking.
 * What criteria will you use to assign learners to collaborative groups, including a rationale? What will be the size of the collaborative groups you will include in your unit?**

At this time I'm considering using Microsoft software that is housed on the schools network and a wiki to help facilitate this collaboration. Using a program on the network will allow us to access from anywhere within the building. Microsoft word will be used for the students to record their ideas as a result of the research and put together the key points for the presentation. PowerPoint will be used as a visual tool for the presentation. Students will paste pictures to support their equipment solution to PowerPoint and organize them to meet the needs of the presentation. The wiki will house the list of websites that they can use to complete their research. It will also have the list of recess equipment that they initially created.
 * Which digital tools and websites are you considering for collaboration in your unit?**

I will be assessing my students in a number of ways during this unit. During each lesson I will be observing the groups listening to their discussions as they conduct their research on the various sites. I will also have the students asses their group members. They will be asked to score each member based on participation and respect. I will use the same criteria when evaluating students, but I will also assess the suggested solution. In the solution I will be looking for details that explain the equipment chosen and why it should be used. Rubrics will be provided for all assessments and be reviewed with the students so that my expectations are clear.
 * How will you assess participation of the students in their collaborative groups?**