Presentation

Submitted by ggevalt on Tue, 09/06/2011 - 23:03

Introduction

1. YWP  has two parts:

  • Work directly with kids:
    • youngwritersproject.org (an afterschool site) is a civil digital writing community for teens in VT & NH with about 4,000 active members; it's where they and you also submit work for the Newspaper Series
    • Newspaper Series is now carried in 11 newspapers, vpr.net and later this fall, VPT.
    • Workshops and regular monthly slams
  • Work directly with schools:
    • YWP Schools Project... digital classrooms, support, mentoring... anticipate 40 schools this year, including schools in Shanghai, Australia and Uganda.
    • Residencies, including Slam/Performance Writing Workshops
    • Digital Writing Practicum through St. Michael's College and in partnership with Green Mountain Writing Project at UVM.

2. Small, agile, change based on feedback:

  • Added staff: Four Teacher Coaches provide direct training, mentoring and Web conferences to serve a primary need: Teachers need ongoing help in using digital technology in authentic ways.
  • Site improvements: Grading, direct record to the content, journaling, portfoloio management, easier navigation
  • Creation of site for College Students who've graduated from High School and who participate in our College Mentors program

3. But why use it? Best described by students and teachers grades 7-12 in a variety of schools; 5-minute movie.

Reflections?

3. The key is how it is used:

  • This site is designed to help integrate regular writing AND commenting into the classroom regardless of curriculum.
  • The key is comments. Train teachers to get students to set the ground rules; no moderation; go beyond work, subjects and topics at school. Focus attention on developing skills of articulating what is observed in ways that are well-received; a key digital skill.
  • The power of commenting:
  • A regular, developing audience of peers, gives writing a greater purpose than for the teacher for a grade. Surveys, study show students try harder, do better and connect in ways they hadn't before.
  • Performance enhanced -- study showed improved skills particularly among boys; improved AP scores and in NECAPS; need deeper study.
  • Particularly students who've been on the outskirts, like this student with Asperger Syndrome:
  • Beyond the English curriculum:
  • Desired result: Students feel like this is their space; engagement and enjoyment increased. Natinal studies show this improves performance.
  • Losing control. Teachers did not read all posts or comments; and that's OK. Students take over some of the control of their learning.

4. What problems do schools face?

  • Lack of computers.
  • Lack of ongoing training.
  • Lack of embracing culture.
  • District mandated software tied more to classroom/student management.
  • Budgets.

5. Next Steps for YWP:

  • Major development of sites and training program.
  • Development of training program irrespective of digital classroom software used.
  • Connections with schools around the world to enhance Vermont student learning experience.
  • Expanded mentoring program.
  • Online courses.
  • Major study..
  • Partnerships with other organizations, including Green Mountain Writing Project and any and all related initiatives.

6: Teacher perspective:

Your grade: None