Solutions for Digital Learner–Centered Classrooms
CreatingPurpose-DrivenLearning Experiences
William M. Ferriter
Copyright © 2015 by Solution Tree Press
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Printed in the United States of America
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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Ferriter, William M.
Creating purpose-driven learning experiences / by William M. Ferriter.
pages cm -- (Solutions)
Includes bibliographical references.
ISBN 978-1-942496-31-1 (perfect bound) 1. Inquiry-based learning. 2. Active learning. 3. Project method in teaching. 4. Motivation in education. I. Title.
LB1027.23.F47 2015
371.3--dc23
2015007484
Solution Tree Jeffrey C. Jones, CEO Edmund M. Ackerman, President
Solution Tree Press President: Douglas M. Rife Associate Acquisitions Editor: Kari Gillesse Editorial Director: Lesley Bolton Managing Production Editor: Caroline Weiss Proofreader: Miranda Addonizio Text and Cover Designer: Rian Anderson Compositor: Rachel Smith
This book is dedicated to thought leaders like Will Richardson, Scott McLeod, Dean Shareski, Chris Lehmann, Patrick Larkin, and George and Alec Couros, who have been challenging both my thinking and my practice for the better part of the past decade. Thank you for letting me learn alongside you.
Visit go.solution-tree.com/technology to download the reproducibles in this book.
Table of Contents
A Necessary Change in Teacher Mindset
Chapter 1: Here’s What I Mean by Doing Work That Matters
Project-Based Learning as a Tool for Doing Work That Matters
Chapter 2: Microlending as an Example of Doing Work That Matters
Kiva Makes It Possible for Students to Do Work That Matters
Is Microlending the Right Project for You?
What Required Objectives Will You Address in a Microlending Project?
Would Addressing Poverty in Your Local Community Make More Sense for Your Students?
How Will You Handle the Funds You Collect for Your Microlending Project?
Resources for Supporting Classroom Microlending Projects
Which Country Should We Loan To Comparison Activity
Do Something Funny for Money Day
Lending to Women, Lending to a Group, Giving a Gift Card to Another Class
Kiva Lending Questions
Kiva Loan Reflection Organizer
Setting Kiva Loan Priorities
Self-Assessment Rubric for Microlending Project
Kiva U
Teachers as Resources
Conclusion
Chapter 3: Purpose-Driven Blogging as an Example of Doing Work That Matters
Raising Awareness About Issues That Matter
Four Tips for Starting Your Own Purpose-Driven Classroom Blogging Project
Choose a Cause That Matters to Your Kids
Use One Blog for Your Entire Class
Choose a Blogging Platform That You Are Comfortable With
Recruit Regular Readers and Commenters for Your Blog
Resources for Supporting Classroom Blogging Projects
Classroom Blogging Tasks to Tackle
Self-Assessment Rubric for Classroom Blogging Projects
Tracking Student Mastery—Classroom Blogging Project
Classroom Blogging Reflection
Conclusion
Chapter 4: Making School Different
How Will You Make School Different?
References
About the Author
William M. Ferriter (@plugusin) is a National Board Certified Teacher of sixth graders in a professional learning community (PLC) in North Carolina. He has designed professional development courses for educators nationwide. He is also a founding member and senior fellow of the Teacher Leaders Network and has served as teacher in residence at the Center for Teaching Quality.
An advocate for PLCs, student-centered learning spaces, improved teacher working conditions, and teacher leadership, Bill has represented educators on Capitol Hill and presented at state, national, and international conferences. He has also had articles published in the Journal of Staff Development, Educational Leadership, Phi Delta Kappan, and Threshold Magazine. Bill also maintains a popular blog—The Tempered Radical (blog.williamferriter.com)—where he