May is finally here, and for teachers, May is commonly known as the BUSIEST month ever of the academic year! As many of you would now know that I am in my first year of teaching abroad in a brand new school, it took a lot of learning, unlearning and adapting to new school expectations and systems. This year, we introduced a new version of student-led presentations (in this case, it is called students' exhibition) based on the curriculum framework adopted by the school. I have done this event (students' exhibition) for three years in my previous school in a much larger setting, and with a huge group of teachers.
In this new school of mine, it was basically their first official students' exhibition, and I have had the privilege to plan and facilitate the entire students' exhibition. It took us about two months of learning journey to finally be able to present and share our products of learning. Yes, it was that long, because for the most parts of the teaching and learning, it was all on my shoulders. Let me walk you through our journey on how we completed our students' exhibition in different stages of inquiry based learning recommended by Kath Murdoch, an educational consultant from Australia. She is greatly respected for her beliefs and values in the field of inquiry based learning and integrative curriculum for over 20 years.
Tuning In
In small groups, students created their group's essential agreement to establish positive collaboration. Next, they chose one passion project, something that they REALLY, REALLY, REALLY curious to learn and inquire more about as a group. After agreeing on their passion projects, it was time to map out the big ideas related to their passion projects. Group A chose to do on littering, while group B has decided to work on endangered animals. They were then facilitated to take on the lens of a teacher to form statement of learning, or central idea. Based on this central idea, they managed to elucidate specific areas of learning, or lines of inquiry. Wondering questions were then crafted at the end of this tuning in stage.
Finding Out
At this stage, they begin their **research tasks **by using a variety of sources, and that includes conducting a survey within our school community. They created their own survey questions, and eventually analyzed and interpreted their survey findings in pie charts and bar graphs. There were some additional open-ended answers too. Here are some of their survey questions:
1. Will the world change if we stop littering?
2. Do you think littering will affect you?
3. Why do you think people litter?
4. Do you we can save these endangered animals?
5. Are animals in danger because of us, and what we do?
6. Why do you think animals are getting endangered?
Sorting Out
After weeks of searching for reliable answers from books, online websites, videos and interviewing people, it was time for them to begin sorting out all their research findings. At this stage, they will decide the best way to compile, organize and present to the audience in the most effective way. Some ideas include slideshow presentations, posters, diorama, and even Kahoot! quiz. On top of that, students will also compile all their citations or references to ensure academic honesty.
Going Further & Making Conclusions (Synthesising and Reflecting)
I would say that this stage has to be the most intense stage for us, because they were challenged to make learning connections from their research findings. Students were also encouraged to go further and search for new information if it requires further justification, or explanation. Critical and creative thinking skills were greatly tested at this stage. They spent hours and hours just 'debating' on their ideas, and finding new perspectives to the argument.
Taking Action (Acting & Applying)
After two rounds of rehearsals, it was show time! Presentation time y'all! Our student-led presentations, or students' exhibition was held in conjunction with our Earth Week at school too. Their passion projects on littering and endangered animals were the perfect fit for the Earth Week celebration! Parents and teachers from other schools were invited to join our exhibition from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm. Some massive FUN TIME! ... and a really exhausted teacher. :D
Here are some pictures of the recent student-led presentations that I took before the big day.
Thank you for reading my post today! Let me know how student-led presentations are done in your class, or school.
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