Classroom Planning with Kids

Could it be done with a wiki? Before starting a new unit, could I post outcomes on a wiki and a list of past assignments, possible choices, suggestions, and then ask kids, or other teachers, or other kids from around the world who may stumble upon the space (or be led there for that matter) for suggestions?

Is that how classroom planning with kids might work?

Last night, after our eight and six year olds shoveled in their supper and ran for their bike helmets and the park around the corner, I mentioned to my wife that I was interested in the idea of planning what gets taught in my classroom with the kids. I need to mention that my wife is a teacher as well, and being in a small school like ours (166 kids K - 12) she ends up doing too many things. She teaches a split grade 4/5 class in the morning, a high school class right after lunch, and then music for grades 1 - 5 to end her day. She also manages to sleep some times. She is used to strange ideas coming from me, and she is used to having to keep me grounded. After the strange look had finished crossing her face, she asked me what I meant. So I told her that I was thinking about the possibilities of doing some classroom planning with the kids but I wasn't sure what it would look like or how it would happen.

So we talked. And talked, And talked some more. All the while I was getting out of raking the lawn, but that is a whole other story.

In the end I, we came up with an idea of how this might happen:

- A list of outcomes would be given to kids before a unit begins. A list of assignments used in the past may also be given to them, as well as some "thou - shalts" that the teacher insists must be completed during a unit.  As well, kids need a list of possible forms of representation that could be used to showcase their understanding of a topic. This is not a big deal as I do this already.

- This discussion could begin in the classroom as a whole. We tossed around the idea of a "planning committee" consisting of a few students, but that didn't seem fair.

- Whatever grows out of the initial discussionsfor unit planning could be posted onto a wiki. Once it is here, the discussions could both widen and focus. They could widen to include kids, teachers, parents, etc. from other places. There is no reason they could not have input and their ideas used as well as any others. Remember the ideas of collaboration and networking from yesterday? In this space, discussions could also focus into some type of distillation of ideas, the best could surface and be considered for use in the classroom, and a plan could be drawn up. This still ultimately is my classroom and it is my responsibility to ensure that outcomes are met and that students learn, so this is not an abdication of responsibility. I would still have the final say about what happens.

I think doing this on a unit - by - unit basis would be the best way for this to happen. Planning with kids each week would be onerous and inefficient.  This is a process that would have to happen slowly in a well structured way, with a gradual release of responsibility for the kids to have some success and a voice.

This is still the very early stages of consideration, but I am thinking this may be an idea I will try to incorporate next year. This idea could get very interesting if kids and teachers from other places worked together and had some input on each other's classrooms. I am not talking about teachers doing units together, or Internet - based projects. But if a group of 4 - 5 teachers could form a network, the kids could talk to each other through out the year on their blogs, building a network of learners, and everyone could post ideas to a wiki (or separate wikis) to help plan the studies going on in each others classrooms. The content would not have to be common, it is the process of planning that is important.

technorati tags: network, learning, classroom

Comments

[Bronwyn G]

What a great way to use a wiki, Clarence.

Your ideas seem to get lives of their own every day!

[Stephen Lazar]

When I first started blogging last May, I used my blog in a way similar to how you describe your ideas for using a wiki. Here's the link to the first of about ten posts on the subject: http://outsidethecave.blogspot.com/2005/05/first-final-project-thoughts.html. I think there are some advantages of doing it in a blog rather than a wiki. First, it gives kids more ownership over what they post, since thier name is attached to everything they write. Second, kids are already blogging so it does not involve introducing a new technology (clearly a mute point if you're using wikis with your kids). I think the advantage of the wiki is that it makes it more of a group experience and group product. It also doesn't make it so the teacher is moderating everything.

[Bronwyn G]

What about the MeatSpace rule that we use real names?

[April Chamberlain]

I am very interested in this idea! I am currently the technology teacher for grade 3 - 5 with 952 students. I get to work closely with teachers who are interested in incorporating technology into their classrooms. However, we are a long way off on most account. You post made me think about a video the superintendent had us watch of an interview with 8 high schools students. The most profound statement from a student was that she wanted the teachers to see her as someone that has something to offer to the classroom. How committed would high schools students become to their classes if they felt they had a hand in structuring the lessons? Some many high school students lose interest in school. This could be one tool that would re-connect them to learning. Next year, I will be working with teachers throughout the district. I know a few who would be open to trying this idea with a unit. I would love to keep connected with you as this project is implemented. I cannot wait!