Problem-based+lesson+plan


 * Pauline Branker: LESSON PLAN: PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING **

SUBJECT: English GRADE LEVEL: Secondary UNIT: Environmental Awareness LESSON TITLE: Creating flyers/posters on protecting our environment

DESCRIPTION OF LESSON: Students will be encouraged to create information about protecting their school environment in a persuasive manner by using flyers or posters. Respecting the environment and in particular the school environment is an area of concern since our students do not show respect for their surroundings, and do not appreciate this effect would have on the wider society. They would be working in groups of four to create their flyers or posters using research from online websites and the word processor applications on their computers to create and publish the final products.

STANDARDS: 7. Students conduct research on issues and interests by generating ideas and questions, and by posing problems. They gather, evaluate, and synthesize data from a variety of sources (e.g print and non print texts, artifacts, people) to communicate their discoveries in ways that suit their purpose and audience.

12. Students use spoken, written, and visual language to accomplish their own purposes (e.g. for learning, enjoyment, persuasion, and the exchange of information).

ISTE NETS.S: 1. Creativity and Innovation 2. Research and information fluency 3. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making 4. Technology Operations and Concepts

Instructional Objectives: Students will be able to research online information about protecting the environment, and compose and create flyers or posters using the word-processor applications to persuade their peers about the importance of protecting the environment.

ACTION: Before class preparation: Students would be shown video clips about the environment and some of the problems associated with the abuse of the environment. There would be whole group discussions with the students to gauge their prior knowledge and their feelings about the topic. There would also be a discussion about persuasive writing and how to compose slogans.

DURING CLASS: INSTRUCTIONAL ACTIVITIES 1. The teacher would model the search for online sites relating to environmental issues and evaluate which are suitable. 2. The teacher would also model how to create a flyer using the computer applications. 2. In groups, students would use the websites and locate information which would be suitable for their purposes. 3. Students would download any images they would like to use to create their flyers or posters. 4. Students would compose their slogans for their posters. 5. Students would then use the word processor applications e.g. Microsoft Word or Microsoft Works, and use the templates that are available to create their own flyers. They would select their font size and style, colors, and images to enhance their presentations which are to attract the attention of the reader. 6. After deciding on the flyers´suitability, they would print and publish their flyers. 7. The flyers or posters would be displayed around the school´s compound or distributed to the students in the school.

ASSESSMENTS: FORMATIVE ASSESSMENTS: Students would be evaluated on their oral responses to questions asked during the whole group discussion, and through observation as they work in groups to use the technology, and produce the final product. The teacher would use observation checklists, and the students would also use checklists to see if they are on course with the project. Before the activity begins, each group would be given a rubric listing the expectations of the assignment and a successful final product. The teacher would also evaluate the final product using the criteria on the rubric. SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT: A quiz or essay type questions, would be given to see whether the students have understood the content at the end of the unit.