Start+with+the+Basics

=How We Started Relinquishing Control=

Lauren
Before attending Dr. Duncan's session at the ECU AIG Conference, I had already given an assignment where the students could choose from a menu of products. After her session, I decided to let this be step 1 for me in relinquishing control by using the menu AND by having the students create their own rubrics.



I started with the How to Create Rubrics Notebook lesson, then sent the kids on their merry little way to create their rubrics. I knew that they had used rubrics before with me and Ms. Webb, so to be sure AIG students go do this. DISASTER!! They all stared at me with the DIH look (Deer In Headlights). The ones who got right to work were doing it completely wrong, so I had to take a GIANT step backwards. "Creating Rubrics Basics" came next. However, this came with a new set of challenges. See my discussions on this page and on the "What We've Learned" page of the wiki.

At this point, I didn't even bring Learning Contracts into the mix. I was judging my students frustration levels, and they were pretty high. After the projects were done, and I sat down to grade, I was amazed at the differences in the projects. Some students really put forth a lot of effort, and some, still, just turned in a pretty project. I have to say that it was nice not to have to sit through 25 PowerPoint presentations. The variety of products created really kept the students interested throughout the "Presentation Days". If anyone has any advice on how to get students motivated to actually DO the research, please let me know. BTW, did you know that France sold Joan of Arc to the British to fight their battles for them. (Head slap!) An example rubric is attached below.

**Learning Contracts:- Dr. Duncan**

 * Sample Learning Contracts**

How to Create and Use Learning Contracts
 * Web Resources**
 * Self-Directed Learning**
 * Learning Contracts**
 * Best Practices: Instructional Strategies and Techniques**