The Process of Learning

I have spent nine days total at Turning Point – a short time in the scheme of things, but I have learned so much. This extended time has given me the opportunity to follow a project through the learning process. The 5th and 6th grade students researched the five major world religions. Online research was done to collect information, which was recorded on a chart using Google Docs. Information was gathered from websites and videos listed on the class Diigo page. Discussions about new learnings occurred among the students and teachers using instant messaging and small group project time. Once students had collected the information listed on the chart, they prepared to share what they had learned with others by creating a podcast. Each one wrote a draft of a podcast using Google Docs. Their directions were to make a 30 to 90 second podcast, introducing themselves and their grade level, but giving no last names. They should also tell the religion they studied at the beginning of the podcast along with being given the following suggestions:
Religion Podcast Notes
1. Brainstorm words that describe your chosen religion
2. Think of two interesting details and 2 wonders
3. Write 2-3 paragraphs form your podcast
4. Words to avoid – big, things, stuff, small, like a lot
Next a whole class lesson was given by Charlie about how to make a podcast. I found this very helpful! Students practiced mixing music to begin and end the podcast, learned how to fade the music in and out, and even received a little training on editing the podcast. At the next session, students found a quiet spot throughout the school for recording their podcasts. They were given almost an hour and told to practice reading the podcast several times before making a recording. What a great real-life application for reading fluency. Their quiet spots ranged from being under a cardboard box in a closet to hiding out in the back corner of a hallway. Throughout the building one could see students hard at work. When they returned to the classroom with a finished podcast, there was time for a couple of students to hook their computer up to the speakers and share with the class. The fellow students gave feedback in the form of compliments and wonderings (rather than criticisms, because there might be a logical reason the creator made that decision). I could see the podcast producers blossom when they heard the praise from their colleagues. They also gave deep thought to the wonderings and often explained their decision. The final step of the project was for the podcasts to be uploaded to the school website at www.turningpointterriers.com. How exciting it has been for me to watch this project all the way through! The enthusiasm and engagement of the students was a joy to see. Even I learned new things about some of the religions and about making an effective podcast, and I was just watching! Imagine what these students are taking away from this experience, and all of the many amazing other opportunities they have at Turning Point.