On this site you will find my action research on Reading in a Project Based Learning Classroom. When I started my work in the High Tech High graduate program, I wondered how to build the 21st century skills students need today including collaboration and critical thinking. I also questioned how to teach literature in an authentic way that builds intrinsic motivation to read. During my year of research in two 8th grade Humanities classrooms, I discovered the power of story and the importance of building a collaborative classroom culture around reading for enjoyment. Only then could my students find a deeper purpose for reading and interacting with text.
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I have also included the various classroom projects that I designed over the year. In Surfing for the Soul my advisory students (6th through 8th graders) raised money for and took surf lessons, researched surfing related topics, and then reflected on the life lessons they learned through the experience. The Unwind book projects were student generated as they challenged themselves and each other to think deeper about the messages and themes highlighted in the novel.
My graduate school coursework is also included. I studied how status can affect equity in group work, how the Design Thinking process can scaffold creativity, and how to build student voice in middle school.
I would love to hear any feedback or questions you might have about my research, projects or coursework. Please email me at: [email protected]