Benchmark Review #Edcamp Style

Inspired during a #tlap chat, I proposed the possibility of doing an #edcamp format test review to see how students would respond to less structure and more ownership.  We used this unit's learning targets as a guide for forming the sessions.  I borrowed large dry erase boards from a colleague so students would have a way to demonstrate what they were learning as a group.  I allowed students to sit out of one session and work with peers on some of their formative work if they preferred that option. This is what our schedule looked like.  My initial reactions to this process include the following:

1.  Students had ownership of where they were going and made decisions based on what they didn't understand.

2.  I had a lot of students that were doing the teaching and talking that would have normally been done by me.  I was able to get some great video of students teaching students.

3. Some students didn't take it seriously and it may need a motivator for next time.  Next time I would consider putting together the schedule the day ahead of time so that I could provide extra practice problems for students to complete during each of the sessions.  This could serve as somewhat of a treasure hunt/treasure map situation to provide some external motivation.

4.  It was difficult to get students to propose sessions at first (often what you see at edcamps).  Allow time for them brainstorm questions first and place on post-its and then create the class schedule.  It would be nice to have a printed copy of the schedule to keep in the hallway spot too.  Create QR codes for the schedule to help free up the Promethean board for students to use.

5.  We need more flexible learning spaces for this learning to occur.  Occasionally students need to work in large groups and spread out.  The cafeteria would have been a better location for this activity.

I look forward to getting student perspective tomorrow after reflecting with students on this experience once we finish our final session.  I would recommend doing this for a review, or also with new content.  It would be fantastic to do something like this in advisory around both student's and teacher's passions.