list+of+observations


 * Observations of HC 2/9/09** - Notes from Mike and Catie's meeting

__Positives we are seeing so far__ Some incredible student work - podcasts, webpages, problem solving Student like the mixture of group and individual work so far Electricity assignment worked very well - not extra work, but definitely more challenging We came up with as totally new assignment for this course Negotiating with students about their needs (giving students a more challenging problem, encouraging them to participate) Like the option of being able to push students in the middle of the course Not a whole-scale change to the course Working together has made coming up with new projects manageable and collaborative Planning at the beginning of the year (release day) Ease of keeping track - on Powerschool and with PLS Ease of incorporating HC work on quizzes Students are active decision-makers at many points during the course for their learning Continually looking at their progress/learning

__Challenges we have seen so far__ Some students choose not to do HC, despite probably being capable Need for better product descriptors for HC assignments in Geology May need to go through directions thoroughly for both CP and HC assignments (Catie's student feedback) Some of the Geology HC were more work, despite being more indepth (Catie's student feedback) Differences between this and other honors classes they are in - didn't like the letter writing for a few students Some students report frustration with multiple levels of learners in the same class Making HC assignments that are interesting enough to sustain the students engagement (a couple of students commented) Variety in assignments, content, presentation, etc.

Need to do a better job getting Lessons Learned documented in a single place from past assignments and projects Making a plan to work ahead and develop projects that are upcoming.

__Other considerations__ We do have some difficulties teasing out the differences between the new teaching strategies and the honor challenge piece Agreed early on that challenge in HC is to step up for content and depth of understanding; not for "extra credit" or "bonus" We have maintained this philosophy throughout We grade work based on how it was done, not for extra points Said maintain 85% average and do 80% of the HC optional projects - seems to be working Planning: Time to plan new assignments together is very helpful Mechanics of planning seems to be going well - original idea of course being seamless to students is close to reality. (not jumbled, but well thought out) Teachers need to be flexible and know content very well

__Questions:__ Is this educationally better for kids? Are there positivies to HC that are not possible with another format?