FIT the FRAMEWORKS TO LIFE

This page links to web projects and problem based curricular units that provide guiding questions, large ideas, and active methods--diverse and intellectually active forms of instruction--to bring the Frameworks* to life. Teachers who realize that the Frameworks have no curricular structure see how much it distorts their curriculum when they try to reshape it to fit the Frameworks. There is no shape to this muddle of isolated facts, concepts, theories and viewpoints, often set at cross-purposes to each other.

Rather the Frameworks must be adapted to fit meaningful curriculum and authentic, essential questions. "Teaching to the Test," the random samples of questions based on the jumble of Frameworks, does NOT mean coverage and drill of terminology and facts. It means encountering terms and facts in intellectually and emotionally provocative learning. Most Frameworks are by-products of learning and understanding, not the object of learning.

Coverage does NOT maximize scores. The tax on memory, the lack of understanding and organization, all make coverage largely a waste of time. Bring the Frameworks to LIFE--don't strangle learning by subjugating life to a hodgepodge of Frameworks.

Frameworks* is understood to include strands, standards, and examples.


THE FRANCIS W. PARKER CHARTER SCHOOL
Top MCAS-scoring Charter whose curriculum and rubrics are centered on essential questions and active inquiry projects.
EDUCATION BY DESIGN: Tageting New Hampshire State and Local Standards
Using Problem Based Learning to Address Frameworks in the Granite State
ONLINE PROJECTS
Array of 56 project options for all grade levels
WEBQUESTS
Most complete description of and resources (including examples) for a Webquest; FIRSTRATE!
ONLINE ACTIVITIES
Numerous project resources for multiple subjects and levels using the World Wide Web
KIDS DID THIS! HOTLIST
Kids' web projects in different subject areas; good source of ideas for projects, both for students and teachers!
THINKQUEST
Collaborative competition in web site development
ODYSSEY OF THE MIND
Team problem-solving competition for K-12
HANDBOOK OF ENGAGED LEARNING PROJECTS
Numerous science-related projects for elementary, middle, and high school students
THE HOLOCAUST: A Tragic Legacy
An outstanding unit in studying the darker side of human nature


HOW TO USE THIS PAGE

1. Look more closely at what Parker Charter School and New Hampshire schools are doing [the first two sites].

2. Begin with your "best" units and projects--the ones that have worked well for you and your students.

3. Scan the FRAMEWORKS and note those addressed in your "best" units and projects.

4. Good units and projects engage multiple frameworks. Survey sites from this page with that fact in mind.

5. Plan to adapt units to a) your best unit model and b) problem based organization.

6. REMIND YOURSELF NOT TO GET CAUGHT IN THE COVERAGE TRAP.

7. Go over the relevant frameworks briefly early in the unit, perhaps again as each comes up naturally, and then in de-briefing, at the end of units and projects.

8. Be flexible and pragmatic. Use your common sense. Follow your heart. Work harder, but also smarter, with your focus on student learning.


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