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Time
10 - 20 hours
Module Description
This optional module provides students with an opportunity to develop an independent study project to further their understanding of some aspect of written, spoken, and/or visual communication. The project could relate in some way to one of the optional modules of the course (a particular interviewing project, for example) or could be a work study project involving the community in some way (work study with a graphic designer, for example). The focus of the project should be communication.
This module should always be selected for those students who are ready for independent study. Small groups of students might develop an independent study project, in which case individual contributions should be planned and closely monitored.
Purposes
Foundational Objectives
To be selected from the foundational objectives of Communication Studies 20 by teacher, student, and others involved in the project.
Specific Learning Objectives
To be selected from the specific learning objectives for Communication Studies 20, and created as appropriate to the particular project (by teacher, student, and others involved in the project).
In addition, students will:
Suggested Topics
Suggested Resources
Teacher Information for Module 16
The purpose of independent study is to give students an opportunity to explore and manage a project of interest to them. Through independent study, students develop the ability to take charge of their own learning experiences. They learn how to set goals and learning objectives, organize the learning experience, and assess their own learning. Teachers should encourage independent study for all students who can work in a self-directed manner.
Students can select either an individual project or a collaborative project.
Individual Project
The student will select one of:
Collaborative Project
Select one of:
Time Management: Individual or Collaborative Project
Although times will vary in each different situation, guidelines for project time allotment should be drawn up by the student(s) and approved by the teacher. If another person is involved (e.g., a mentor from the community), that person should also be involved in setting the work schedule.
Following is a sample time schedule for a communication project:
|
Activity |
Hours |
|
Research and Setting of Project Goals and Learning Objectives |
4 |
|
Teacher-student Consultation |
1 |
|
Preparation of Contract for Teacher Approval |
1 |
|
Development of Project |
10 |
|
Presentation of Project |
1 |
|
Final Report on Project |
3 |
|
Total |
20 |
Individual projects may require very different time schedules and different activity descriptions. The important thing to remember is that there must be a satisfactory set of timelines agreed upon, so the student(s), teacher, administrator, and others involved know what will be done when, and how each aspect of the project will be assessed.
A sample contract for an independent study project.
| Note: Teachers and students should remember that not just the final product will be assessed. All aspects of the project should be assessed according to Communication Studies 20 objectives and other learning objectives as determined by the student(s) and teacher. |
Sample Contract for a
Communication Independent Study Project
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Student Name ___________________________________________________________ Project Description Briefly describe your project. Identify your purpose and audience.
Objectives Identify the learning objectives for the project. These should come from the learning objectives for Communication Studies 20 and from the demands of the particular project.
Research Where will you find your information? What kinds of activities will gathering the information involve (e.g., interviewing, library visits, multimedia study, writing to experts)? How will you evaluate your sources?
Organizing Your Project Outline the steps you will take to organize your project. How will you construct your introductory portion of the project, the main body, and your concluding sections? What will you actually do? How will you present the project?
Time Allotment You will have a maximum of ___ hours of class time to spend on this project. Construct a time schedule and establish due dates for the major steps in your project. List important dates and responsibilities.
Resources Will you need to book special equipment, supplies, or facilities for your project? If so, at what time in your schedule will this be necessary? Pay particular attention to audio-visual resources you will need.
Assessment Your project will be assessed at various stages. Assessment criteria will be determined in advance by you and your teacher. At what points in your project would you like assessment to take place? Consider the use of peer and self-assessment as well as teacher assessment. Write down assessment criteria.
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(Sample Contract adapted from Saskatchewan Education, 1996, Arts Education 10, 20, 30: A Curriculum Guide for the Secondary Level, pp. 180-181)
Sample Project Assessment
Form
| Student Name: | Date Submitted: |
__ Individual Project
__ Group Project
Group Members:
1.
2.
3.
4.
__ Met Requirements
__ Met Timelines
Rating: 5 = excellent, 4 = very good, 3 = good, 2 = fair, 1 = poor
|
1 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 |
Planning
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Summary Assessment: