Technique #4

Using Student-Generated Scales

One way to increase student’s engagement and have them involved in the content is having them develop individual learning targets and scales. They become more invested in their learning by doing so. Their personal connections encourages participation within the learning content. This also empowers the students to become independent thinkers and learners. With this technique the students are in control. When they are in control it fosters personal efficiency and students self-direction, which all in all motivates them to work harder to meet their goals.

There are a few steps for students to be able to effectively create and implement targets and scales.

1-      Teacher Introduces and Explain Learning Target and Performance Scales-They need to understand the learning target of the content/unit. Teacher should help students make a connection from the content to real world. Encourage students to look for additional connections between their own personal interest and the content. This will help students determine what they would like to learn more about.

2-      Student Identifies Personal Learning Goal Target- Students need time to think (you can give them time to research or to have conversation) of a learning goal that is personally important to them that relates to the content. The individual goal/target should be aligned with the learning targets of the teacher created scale. You could use a KWHL to help the students generate a learning goal. Teacher could also pose guiding questions pertaining to the goal. Examples: What are some things I am interested in right now related to this topic? What do I want to be understanding in this lesson? Once they know their goal it should be written just as when teachers write them…I will be able to…or I will…

3-      Student Generates a Personalized Scale- Once students have their goal, they now move on to writing their scale. They need to consider what they will need to learn or do to be able to reach that goal/target. They may need to build their background knowledge to achieve their own goal. Once the foundation targets have been aligned with the student’s personal goal they are ready to enhance and deepen their targets. The scale should become a personalized plan of action that will lead them to a successful learning.

4-      Teacher Reviews, Supports, and Guides- Teacher must review the scales to make sure they are aligned to both the content and the target on the teachers scale. You can also provide support and guidance to foster and promote student independence. Students should feel challenged and supported during these processes. Some will need more direction than others. Some may need time to reflect, focus and self-monitor where others may need more hand by hand support. The use of students created target and scales requires teachers to act as a facilitator as the students strengthen their learning.

Implementing all of this is not enough, you must constantly monitor. To be most effective, view implementation as a three step process-

1.       Implement the strategy using energy and creatively to adopt and adapt the 4 different techniques.

2.       Monitor for the desired effect.

3.       If you realize as you are monitoring that it is not adequate for students achievement, then change and adapt.