Independent Studies

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Independent Studies

• Kaleb Thompson
• Mihoko Chida
• Peters 4-6 Elementary
• Garden Grove Unified

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Peters 4-6 Elementary

• Garden Grove Unified School District
• Title I
• Ethnically diverse population
• Large population of English Language learners
• One of three sites that services Gifted students
• Self contained GATE

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Our Motivation

• Underachieving students
• A lack of creativity and passion in the learning
  process
• Challenging students who exceed standards or are
  ahead of curriculum pacing
• Overcoming procrastination
• Preparation for Intermediate School

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The Big Dilemma

• How do we prevent our students from mentally
  checking out after the state test?

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The Research

• According to Johnson and Goree, Betts states
• When compared to learning styles of more average
  students, gifted students like instructional
  strategies that emphasize independence such as
  independent study and discussion.(Johnson and
  Goree, 2005)
• In defining independent studies, scholars such as
  Reis and Renzuilli emphasize the importance of
  real world investigations in their definitions.
  (Johnson and Goree, 2005)

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The Definition of an Independent Study

• An independent study is a planned research
  process that
• is self-directed
• is similar to one used by a practicing
  professional or is authentic to the discipline
• is facilitated and monitored by the teacher
• focuses on lifelike problems that go beyond the
  regular class setting
• (Johnson and Goree, 2005)

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GATE Standards

• The differentiated curriculum facilitates
  development of ethical standards, positive
  self-concepts, sensitivity and responsibility to
  others, and contributions to society.
• GATE EC M3.1d
• The core curriculum is compacted for gifted
  students so that learning experiences are
  developmentally appropriate (not redundant) to
  their needs, interests, and abilities.
• GATE EC C3.1a

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GATE Standards

• The differentiated curriculum utilizes a variety
  of teaching and learning patterns including
  opportunities for independent study.
• GATE EC C3.2b

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Examples of Independent Studies

• Think like an Archaeologist
• You are an Archaeologist who just discovered an
  artifact that was invented/innovated and used by
  an ancient civilization (Mesopotamia, Hebrews,
  Egypt, India, China, Greece, or Rome). You must
  prove the significance of the artifact to the
  daily life of the civilization by describing in
  detail how it allowed the civilization to survive
  and/or advance.

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Think like an Archaeologist
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Examples of Independent Studies

• Think like an Architect
• You are an architect who will design a house
  following the local building codes identifying
  the minimum and maximum requirements, as well as
  maintaining a specified budget. You will make
  decisions about special features to include, as
  well as the location and size of each individual
  room. Finally you will draw a scaled blueprint of
  house depicting all the specifics determined
  during the planning process. Once the house
  commission has approved the blueprint, you will
  build a scale model of the house.

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Think like an Architect
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Think like an Architect
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Think like an Architect
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Think like an Architect
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Examples of Independent Studies

• Think like a Comic Strip Artist
• You are a Comic Strip Artist who has been asked
  to create a new strip for national syndication.
  You will create a new cast of characters, and
  develop a storyline that evolves over the course
  of 5-7 days. Each days strip should continue to
  develop a story which will reach a climax and be
  resolved by the end of the series.

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Think like a Comic Strip Artist
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Think like a Comic Strip Artist
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Examples of Independent Studies

• Think like a Fashion Designer
• You are a Fashion Designer who is trying to
  initiate a new and exciting fashion trend for a
  specific population. You will identify the
  population (cliental) you are designing for as
  well as the interests of the client. You will
  sketch 5 - 7 outfits that address the desires of
  your clients. Finally, you will fabricate one
  design that most exemplifies your entire
  collection using appropriate tools and materials.

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Think like a Fashion Designer
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Think like a Fashion Designer
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Think like a Fashion Designer
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Examples of Independent Studies

• Think like an Artist
• You are an Artist who is struggling to find
  inspiration for your next masterpiece. You
  decide to return to your roots by studying the
  classical works of your early peers. In doing
  so, you discover the most remarkable piece of art
  you have ever seen. After analyzing the artwork,
  you are able to create your own masterpiece.

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Think like an Artist
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Think like an Artist
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Think like an Artist
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Examples of Independent Studies

• Think like an Investor
• You are an Investment Banker who is hired to
  quickly earn money for a group of eager
  entrepreneurs. You must use your knowledge of
  current trends to invest wisely in the stock
  market. You must use your clients money to buy
  and sell stocks on a weekly basis in order to
  greatly increase the initial investments of your
  clients.

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Think like an Investor
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Think like an Investor
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Examples of Independent Studies

• Think like a Musician
• You are an aspiring musician desperately waiting
  to be noticed by a major recording label
  executive. In order to expedite the process, you
  will write a new song that will appeal to a large
  audience, therefore quickly climbing the charts
  achieving number one status. Finally you will
  test your fans reaction when you perform your
  song at an upcoming show.

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Classroom Implementation

• Teacher
• Determine how students will choose project
• Explain how a large project is a series of
  smaller tasks
• Model backwards planning
• Decide when students will work on projects in
  class
• Schedule meetings with students to monitor
  progress
• Allow for collaboration between students doing
  the same project

• Students
• Students will choose project(s)
• Break up project into smaller task
• Use a calendar to schedule personal due dates
• Decide what materials to bring to class and when
  to bring them
• Meet with teacher to clarify project and share
  progress
• Collaboration with peers who are doing the same
  project

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How to Design a Project

• Brainstorm Profession (Discipline)
• Notice student interests
• Consider standard(s)
• Consider curricular connections
• Consider product(s)
• US Department of Labor
• For a complete list with job descriptions
  http//www.bls.gov/oco/ (Search by field)
• For kids http//www.bls.gov/k12/index.htm
  (Search by subject area)
• Propose a problem related to the profession
• Align to grade level standards

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How to Design a Project