We have started a unit on the Industrial Revolution in grade 7 where students will work at or ahead of teacher pace to complete different lessons and activities to demonstrate their learning. This is one way that students can demonstrate their proficiency. You can see what your students have been up to by visiting the unit website here: industrialrevolutionmjhs17.weebly.com.
Along with the new unit, I am also incorporating some aspects of video games that students seem to be enjoying. Students are able to earn "XP" (experience points) as they participate in class and complete learning activities. They earn more XP when they can not only complete an activity, but demonstrate that they have done so with proficiency. Students are really getting into the game! Students have chosen a "gamer tag" username that they are referred to as on the points board. While it may seem competitive, we've been putting the focus on internal motivation, rather than external. Students get to sign the badge board at the 25, 50, 75, 100, etc. XP levels (similar to "leveling up".) I know that video games are popular outside of school and this seems to be a fun spin-off on video games for students here at school. Check out a snapshot of the leader board for the Green Social Studies class below.
Along with the new unit, I am also incorporating some aspects of video games that students seem to be enjoying. Students are able to earn "XP" (experience points) as they participate in class and complete learning activities. They earn more XP when they can not only complete an activity, but demonstrate that they have done so with proficiency. Students are really getting into the game! Students have chosen a "gamer tag" username that they are referred to as on the points board. While it may seem competitive, we've been putting the focus on internal motivation, rather than external. Students get to sign the badge board at the 25, 50, 75, 100, etc. XP levels (similar to "leveling up".) I know that video games are popular outside of school and this seems to be a fun spin-off on video games for students here at school. Check out a snapshot of the leader board for the Green Social Studies class below.