Content Standards Addressed:
-Reading: Informational Text
-Research to Build & Present Knowledge
-Speaking & Listening: Presentation of Knowledge & Ideas (reporting and multimedia components)
Teacher’s Role in SDL
Parents’ Role in SDL
Students’ Role in SDL
- Assist student in finding passion and formulating research question
- Check in regularly, may include teacher notes in journal
- Assist students in setting goals if needed
- Communicate any concerns with parents
- Check blog and comment on student’s progress.
- Assist child in choosing a final product
- Guide child in finding appropriate resources for research
- Model how to research, two column notes and citing sources
Parents’ Role in SDL
- Communicate questions and concerns with teacher
- If needed, guide child in finding appropriate resources for research
- If your child feels they are done with research, ask him/her, “Is there anything else you want to know about this topic?” If yes, continue the research at school. If no, begin deciding on product
Students’ Role in SDL
- Find their passion
- Formulate an Essential Question
- Actively research their question in school
- Document the process:
- Blog in school about topic
- Tech Time spiral for note taking, questions, reflections in school
- Blog in school about topic
- Comment on other students’ posts with strong comments - use the guidelines in spiral
- If students feel they are done with research, they ask themselves, “Is there anything else I want to know about this topic?” If yes, continue the research. If no, begin deciding on product. Check in with teacher
- Present findings to an audience – chosen by student, ex. song, speech, poster, power point, etc.
- Come to school prepared to work on Tech Time Day
- Ask teacher if feeling lost or off track, not just at Tech Time day.
SDL Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ultimate goal for the child?
The goal is for students to learn time management skills, enjoy their interests, and develop research skills: questioning, investigating, citing sources, note taking, etc.
How much of their overall grade is SDL?
This is only one piece of students’ effort and writing grades. We focus on the standards addressed in the report card.
What is the role of the blog/notebook?
The notebook is for students to track their thinking and research on their chosen topic. The blog is for reflecting on and sharing the process with the world. The blog is an exchange of ideas and students are required to comment on other students’ posts.
How should students present?
There is not any one way for students to present their work.
Possible Ideas:
- Song
- Demonstration
- Skit
- Movie
- Website
- Poster
- Commercial
- Book
- Lesson
- Slide show
- Trading Cards
- More ideas, let us know!!
- Glogster
- Scribblitt
- Photo Story
- Animoto
- Weebly
- Powerpoint
- Doceri
- Show Me
- Find more and let us know!!