College freshmen and research projects (part one)

For the past few semesters I have gradually expanded the type of project my students may submit to share information gleaned from their research. I have also given them free rein concerning the choice of topic. (Oh sure, I often have to give some guidance as to how to narrow the broad topic, but that is a different story....) The current list of choices:

write a formal ten-page research paper

create a PowerPoint slide show

shoot and edit a video

make a collage, diorama, or visual display board

conduct a debate or panel discussion

demonstrate a process with an oral presentation

design and create a children’s book

prepare a brochure or flyer

produce an interactive game

write and administer a quiz

design and administer a survey

design and develop a web site

write a song about the topic and perform it

write a scene for a play

create a graphic timeline of the major points

create a museum box

write a blog as a person (real or imagined) from your research

create a scrapbook

create a glog

develop and execute a scientific experiment

textmap a book and annotate

TwHistory reenactment

illustrate and caption a graphic novel

develop a social networking site

conduct a skype session interview with an expert

create a photo slide show with your own narration

plot points on a map and caption

make a movie poster

write and illustrate an editorial/political cartoon

develop a wiki

My feeling is that this is a pretty nice list of options: Creativity, collaboration, technology abound. I allow freedom of expression and personal preference. It seems like a great way to get students interested and actively involved. They can take responsibility for their own learning as they choose the ultimate outcome.

The dilemma? Students sometimes still fall back to familar territory and choose to write a ten-page paper or create a powerpoint presentation. Now, in theory, I have no problem with these two ways to share information, but they seem to me to be "been there, done that" and the least creative options on the list. Students admit that they would like to try something else, but they are comfortable with writing a paper "because [they] know how to do that." (That point is debatable} For some, it is just that they have done it and gotten a decent enough grade and that is all they want from my class too.

What to do? Some suggest that I remove these two choices from the list. Hmmm, not sure about this. Sometimes they make sense -- a little bit. What about those students who are technology-challenged? (yes, there are still some of those!) The solution for this situation seems to me to be to offer feedback and discussion about choices. Offer ideas and suggestions about how a more creative project can be successfully completed. Help students become aware of tools available to them to create these kinds of projects. What about those students who want to do something more creative, but have no idea where to begin? Well, I have found the solution to that problem! The College of Education Student Computer Lab of which I am director, will begin offering one-on-one tutorials for various Web 2.0 tools and other technology-based resources.

I feel pretty good about how I am addressing these issues. I am hoping for success with the solutions I have been able to identify. The next post will highlight recent examples of students' projects!

Happy trails!