Submitted by: Michelle Abrams-Terry
School: Henrico High School
Summary
Students identified a social problem in one of their home countires and used a variety of resources to research the various aspects of problem in depth to gain a deeper understanding. In student-lead groups students discussed their research and created a photo essay addressing a common social problem that the students’ home countries had. Students then began thinking critically and sharing ideas for solutions to the social problem. As a group, students created two authentic solutions to the social problem and included the possible solutions in a photo-essay presentation to the class. After presenting their photo essays, students surveyed their classmates and evaluated the effectiveness of their photo essays on the viewers.
TIPC Ratings
This lesson falls in the approaching level of research and information fluency. Students selected the most appropriate digital tools and other resources from a list to assemble, evaluate, and utilize information to create their photo essays. They also used prior knowledge of their home countries and teacher/peer support to find and evaluate resources and apply them to create solutions to a social problem. Students used the information and resources that required them to apply their knowledge to creating solutions to a social problem.
This lesson falls into the approaching level of communication and collaboration. Students communicated ethically within and beyond the classroom using several resources (e.g., cooperative learning groups and SchoolSpace discussion boards). Their communication was partially directed by the teacher.
This lesson falls in the target level of critical thinking and problem solving. Students used several resources to draw conclusions about a social problem that exists in their home countries. Students used prior research to create and answer open-ended questions about social problems using higher order thinking skills. They used resources to generate possible solutions to real-world, social problems and reflected in their photo essays and using survey questions and answers with other groups.
This lesson falls in the ideal target level of creativity and innovation.
Students applied innovative thinking and creative uses of research methods to create their photo essays that contained elements of originality and teacher-defined requirements. They worked collaboratively to produce a photo essay that increased students’ understanding of a real-world, social problems, addressed the social problem, and provided ideas for new real-world solutions.
Student Artifact
