Crushing it through Creativity: Three Keys to Better Student Projects, Part 2 of 5

Overview

Apple recently published a series of three books on the topic of Educational Leadership. Written in partnership with SRI Education's Center for Technology in Learning and with contributions from Apple Distinguished Educators, this series highlights the latest research and knowledge about great teaching and learning. In fact, the book Elements of Leadership even features the Barrington 220 District Technology Committee as an example of shared leadership in instructional technology (page 21).

This bsd220tech series focuses on the book Elements of Learning which discusses powerful instructional strategies that engage learners and empower them to believe that their work matters.  This month, we'll explore how some important tweaks to traditional student projects can take them to the next level. Check out last month's entry for thoughts on collaborative teamwork.

Elements of Learning—Part 2 of 5: Communication and Creation

Teachers are challenged with the task of trying to evaluate what their students know. Sometimes, simply asking students to recall information they have learned is a quick and effective way to collect data on student learning. This can take the form of teacher questioning, student discussions, quizzes, and traditional tests. However, trying to develop a sophisticated assessment that challenges students to communicate their understanding in complex ways isn't so simple. Developing learning activities that ask students to create a product to demonstrate what they know is a powerful way to assess student learning. Often, these products ask students to analyze or synthesize information for the purpose of explaining or persuading others. This type of activity is magnified when students have the opportunity to "flex their creative muscles." Asking students to create an original product as a means to communicate their understanding is a good start, but paying attention to these three elements when planning can greatly enhance the learning outcomes.  

Ask students to consider audience

Often, students create products for an audience of one, the teacher. Widening the audience to a larger, more authentic group has the potential to raise a student product to the next level. Students tend to take a project more seriously and have more fun if they know that what they are making will be seen by a larger group of people than just the teacher who is evaluating them. The more authentic the audience, the better. Some creative thought about community members, local businesses, or other grade levels in the district who would benefit from seeing the product can raise a student project to the next level. Asking students to consider a specific audience for their message adds a layer of rigor and can tell you more about their thinking.  

Give students flexibility in selecting their means of expression

There is no rule that states that students must all use the same medium or create the same product to demonstrate their learning. Allowing flexibility in deciding how to demonstrate knowledge can give students extra motivation and may produce higher quality results. For example, rather than asking all students to produce a traditional essay, widening the options to include video, photography, audio, and music allows students to add an element of creativity that can take their project to the next level.  

Expect students to follow a set of design principles 

Setting and communicating clear expectations is an important aspect of developing a learning experience. Adding an element of design principles to these expectations should be considered during this process. Do you need students to develop a persuasive argument? Why not develop a newspaper editorial, newscast or follow a debate format? Asking student to select a format that follows a set of design principles acts as insurance against unpredictable and possible low-quality finished products.  In addition, it creates an expectation for professionalism that encourages students to raise their game.  

Using digital formats such as digital portfolios, movies, or presentations for creating these products can add a level of professionalism. This becomes important as you challenge students to create authentic products for real world audiences.  

Want to Learn More?

The book is available right now, including examples from multiple grade levels and content areas. Download the multitouch book, Elements of Learning, in the Apple Book Store:

1. Open the Apple Books app already on your device in the Applications folder of your MacBook Air or from the App Store (or Self Service) on iPad.
2. Search for Elements of Learning.
3. Click or tap Get.
4. Enter your Apple ID and password when prompted.
5. Start reading!