Reflection 4

Kyra Elston
2/13/14
reflection #4
1. Discuss the potential pitfalls in project design. Four potential pitfalls in project design are long on activity, short on learning outcomes, technology layered over traditional practice, trivial thematic units, overly scripted with many, many steps.

2. Discuss the features of a good project. The best projects share the following qualities. They:
- are loosely designed with the possibility of different learning paths.
- are generative, causing students to construct meaning. - center on a driving question or are otherwise structured for inquiry
- capture student interest through complex and compelling real-life or simulated experiences. - are realistic, and therefore cross multiple disciplines.
- reach beyond school to involve others.
- tap right data or primary sources.
 - are structured so students learn with and from each other.
- have students working as inquiring experts might.
- get at 21st-century skills and literacies, including communication, project management, and technology use.
- get at important learning dispositions, including persistence, risk-taking, confidence, resilience, self-reflection, and cooperation.
- have students learn by doing.

3. Discuss where project ideas come from. Good project ideas come form everywhere! Any experience can be turned into a good lesson (both in the classroom and in life) and one good project usually leads to another good project idea.

4. Discuss the steps to design a project. These are the steps to design a project: a. revisit the framework b. establish evidence of understanding. imagine what students would know or be able to do once they have learned. Imagine how they would be different as learner and as people. c. Plan the project theme or challenge. Think about what students inquire about, do, and create. Strive for optimal ambiguity. d. plan entrees into the project experience. What are the first things you might say to get students' attention and build excitement for the learning ahead? What will captivate your students.

5. Discussion on how concepts in this chapter relate to your topic/project. When doing classroom kitchen and catering, most of the assignments will probably consist of projects and group work so knowing the features of a good project and where the ideas of a good project come from will benefit the students in multiple ways.