Your Work Requirement Scheme Comment ...
Note: This page is also used in a different, related PD.
Having just worked through the Work Requirement Scheme section, including the Traps and Pertinent Questions pages, what are your takeaways?
Some past comments ...
|
Angus Vos
This is a very interesting idea. We are very set on using work teacher created booklets for each topic. We have a wide range of ability levels in the class and that would be something that would need to be catered for if I was to use this idea but I do already create 2-3+ different booklets for each student because of their various needs. It's definitely something to think about! Richard Indeed it is!! This is the simplest, most basic way to initiate some long-form student-centric learning |
Thomas Allen
I like the idea of a work requirement scheme because of the fact that it gives students a clear idea of what they will be learning and when. I think that I need to think carefully about how I would want to implement it within my specific classes as I have a few different ideas of how this would be received and what is the best way to maximise its effectiveness. I'm definitely thinking more about a much clearer and upfront sharing of the specific aims of lessons with students as a good foundation for independent work and evaluation as self-reflection and evaluation has already been a big focus for me this year so far. Richard I'm curious as to what your thinking is re adjusting the activity, Thomas. |
Will Martinez
Were all students on board when you introduced this? Did any students 'fall behind'? What were the pitfalls and how were they dealt with?
Richard
Great questions, Will. Remember, I introduced this with classes at a new-to-me-school where students were 'nice' but had a very poor attitude to learning. Zero agency. And behaviour issues were strongest when I was doing the teaching-from-the-front sessions. I knew they needed agency. And so I developed the WRS (not that I was the first - it's an old idea) Were all students on board when you introduced this? Yes! At first it was a bit novel, I guess, but they liked the control. Did any students 'fall behind'? Not that I recall. I'm sure I may have called some students in at lunchtime but that was never a main thing. What were the pitfalls, and how were they dealt with? There was really no downside, only upside. The one thing I had to have though was a second exercise book for each student. I purchased them from the budget (super cheap) and housed them in the cupboard. When they handed in their completed WRS, I gave them their other book. This simply meant I was not under pressure to have to mark all the books overnight. But there were no pitflass. BTW this is where the Mini-Lessons can to the fore (by necessity) and then I realised the true value in mini lessons. Fun Fact: I had a Yr 12 students say "You know maths is the only subject where I know exactly where we are at in the program or unit of work" ... and that was because of the WRS. Hope that helps.
Were all students on board when you introduced this? Did any students 'fall behind'? What were the pitfalls and how were they dealt with?
Richard
Great questions, Will. Remember, I introduced this with classes at a new-to-me-school where students were 'nice' but had a very poor attitude to learning. Zero agency. And behaviour issues were strongest when I was doing the teaching-from-the-front sessions. I knew they needed agency. And so I developed the WRS (not that I was the first - it's an old idea) Were all students on board when you introduced this? Yes! At first it was a bit novel, I guess, but they liked the control. Did any students 'fall behind'? Not that I recall. I'm sure I may have called some students in at lunchtime but that was never a main thing. What were the pitfalls, and how were they dealt with? There was really no downside, only upside. The one thing I had to have though was a second exercise book for each student. I purchased them from the budget (super cheap) and housed them in the cupboard. When they handed in their completed WRS, I gave them their other book. This simply meant I was not under pressure to have to mark all the books overnight. But there were no pitflass. BTW this is where the Mini-Lessons can to the fore (by necessity) and then I realised the true value in mini lessons. Fun Fact: I had a Yr 12 students say "You know maths is the only subject where I know exactly where we are at in the program or unit of work" ... and that was because of the WRS. Hope that helps.
