https://padlet.com/jlharrison/x0g1n0t8ap9bp6e This is a collection of the ways we have used authentic learning opportunities to create hands-on, engaging learning for our middle school students. en-us 2021-09-29 14:26:34 UTC 2021-10-05 00:11:36 UTC hello@padlet.com jlharrison https://padlet.com/jlharrison/x0g1n0t8ap9bp6e/wish/1778270506 The program I started at St. Clare Walker is the service-learning capstone project for 8th-grade students. This project focuses on kindness, community service, and citizenship while giving students voice and choice in their projects and involvement. 

The program began as simply a service learning and cross-curricular initiative to engage students in a project-based learning capacity. In January of 2020, before launching the project, one of my former students passed away from a sudden cardiac arrest. This student was known around our county for his kindness, and I decided to name the program after him. It quickly gained recognition throughout the community as the #GraysonProject, and the community was happy to help however they could. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ebZ0vc3B34k ]]> 2021-09-29 14:30:50 UTC https://padlet.com/jlharrison/x0g1n0t8ap9bp6e/wish/1778270506 jlharrison https://padlet.com/jlharrison/x0g1n0t8ap9bp6e/wish/1778271417 "Authentic learning is the disruption we've been looking for in education."]]> 2021-09-29 14:31:03 UTC https://padlet.com/jlharrison/x0g1n0t8ap9bp6e/wish/1778271417 jlharrison https://padlet.com/jlharrison/x0g1n0t8ap9bp6e/wish/1778272265 Before launching my project, I received permission from my administrative team and the district superintendent. Since this was during Covid, we were able to use the project as a local alternative assessment. 

While completing the project, students met specific benchmarks and mastered standards, and we had to keep very detailed records and data on their achievements or shortcomings. 

Many students worked on their projects outside of school hours, and school policies and expectations were followed while working with students outside of school hours. ]]> 2021-09-29 14:31:17 UTC https://padlet.com/jlharrison/x0g1n0t8ap9bp6e/wish/1778272265 jlharrison https://padlet.com/jlharrison/x0g1n0t8ap9bp6e/wish/1778273222 The goal of the service-learning project was to teach students about citizenship and kindness while incorporating different content standards. Students learned about citizenship and community in their Civics class, and briefly studied the United Nation's sustainability goals. From there, they got to choose the topic they wanted to focus on and completed many different project items, including:
-- conducting an interview and reflection
-- creating a website
-- creating a PSA
-- leading a fundraising campaign
-- creating a variety of infographics, posters, and other multimedia 

While the ultimate goal was to meet specific standards, the goal became helping students figure out how they could help others and have a positive impact on their community.]]> 2021-09-29 14:31:32 UTC https://padlet.com/jlharrison/x0g1n0t8ap9bp6e/wish/1778273222 jlharrison https://padlet.com/jlharrison/x0g1n0t8ap9bp6e/wish/1778274891 In a tight-knit community like Middlesex County, it has been relatively easy to engage community members and weave partnerships into our learning experiences. 

Our 8th-grade students are completing service-learning capstone projects based on topics of their choice. We have partnered with local organizations to provide opportunities for students to complete community service activities and tasks. Some of our community partners include:
*MC YMCA
*MC Animal Rescue
*Local churches
*Love4Kids
*The Cryer Center
*Friends of the Rappahannock]]> 2021-09-29 14:32:00 UTC https://padlet.com/jlharrison/x0g1n0t8ap9bp6e/wish/1778274891 jlharrison https://padlet.com/jlharrison/x0g1n0t8ap9bp6e/wish/1778276036 Needs and goals were communicated primarily through social media. I created an Instagram page specifically for the project, and students were encouraged to follow and post their project progress on this page. Many members of the community ended up following the project this way. I also posted project updates on my personal Facebook page. 

Another way I communicated my project goals and needs was through school board meetings. Every month, the school board spotlights student achievement, and they allowed my students and I to speak at multiple meetings. Many students used this as an opportunity to present their project and get community support. 

In a small community, word of mouth is one of the biggest ways to promote something. I relied heavily on my students and their families to help support our project, and this support helped each of my students meet their goals.]]> 2021-09-29 14:32:18 UTC https://padlet.com/jlharrison/x0g1n0t8ap9bp6e/wish/1778276036 jlharrison https://padlet.com/jlharrison/x0g1n0t8ap9bp6e/wish/1778277990 The community was invited into the school throughout the project in many different ways. 

One of the requirements was for students to complete an interview. Since Covid limited interaction, I arranged and participated in multiple Zoom interviews. The students liked group interviews more than individual interviews since it took some of the pressure off of them. Community members were happy to help. We were also able to learn about a friend of mine, Jharel Cotton, who is a current MLB pitcher for the Texas Rangers. Jharel is from the Virgin Islands, and after Hurricane Irma, he invested much of his time and money into helping them repair. After learning about Jharel, his accomplishments, his struggle, and his giving spirit, I surprised them with a Zoom interview with him. This was one of the coolest things I've done with my students, especially my athletes. 

We also hosted a "Project Fair," which was the culmination of our projects. Each student created a table "booth" area with their projects and all of the materials they created throughout the process. The Fair was open to families, friends, teachers, and the community, and it was a huge success. ]]> 2021-09-29 14:32:49 UTC https://padlet.com/jlharrison/x0g1n0t8ap9bp6e/wish/1778277990 jlharrison https://padlet.com/jlharrison/x0g1n0t8ap9bp6e/wish/1778278375 Parrish, N. (July 17, 2019). Providing rich educational experiences for all students. Edutopia. Retrieved from: https://www.edutopia.org/article/providing-rich-educational-experiences-all-students

Stenger, M. (September 24, 2018). 10 Ways authentic learning is disrupting education. Retrieved from: https://www.opencolleges.edu.au/informed/features/authentic-learning-disrupting-education/  ]]> 2021-09-29 14:32:56 UTC https://padlet.com/jlharrison/x0g1n0t8ap9bp6e/wish/1778278375