At the Back to School Night we introduced our new approach to Home Learning, traditionally referred to as Homework. Our reason for choosing a new approach was based on parent feedback from last year's survey where numerous concerns were raised about our old approach. In selecting a new approach we wanted to ensure the learning taking place at home was closely linked to what was happening in the classroom. We also wanted to ensure that our students would be in control of their learning and taking greater responsibility. Finally, we wanted to find an approach that was reflective of our beliefs as a school and of the PYP.

 

As you know, we ended up selecting Learning Logs, an approach that has proven popular in other schools. In designing Learning Logs at NIST we felt it important to have a strong theoretical basis. Therefore, we based our approach on the work of H. Lynn Erickson and her research into 'Guiding Questions'. You will notice that these questions are conceptual in nature, engaging the intellect of our students.

 

 

We know this approach is successful through our observations of how our students are engaging with this weekly task. We have observed significant growth over the first five weeks and the Learning Logs are providing the teachers with insight into the students thinking  They have also proved to be a genuine link between learning at home and at school. We know that for Home Learning to be successful, students need to see the purpose behind completing the task, it must be relevant to their lives and it must connected to what they are doing in class. Furthermore, it is important for students to receive feedback on their learning. Learning Logs have achieved all of this and more.

Below is a video of Nayla and Madison sharing their thoughts on this new approach to Home Learning:

 

 

 

Receiving feedback is an important part of Home Learning. Below is an example of how Year 6 are providing their students with feedback.

 

We are delighted with the start the students have made and we look forward to sharing our progress with you as the year progresses.

Filed under: Home Learning Comments Off Comments (0) Trackbacks (1) ( subscribe to comments on this post ) NIST News #9 Friday 12 October 2012 « NIST News Tips from the library » « Pinktober Categories

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