WebQuests can be a way of involving both the teacher and the students. I started one yesterday with an Advanced Teen 1 group. We had a great time during class trying to come up with a topic. Although I had one idea before class, one student convinced all of us her idea would be more interesting and they would be more motivated.
I have to confess I have been having rapport problems with that group. Some students don’t participate in class and they seem to be uninterested in what I say. That’s why I thought the WebQuest experience could involve us more. They bought the idea right away. Some have already had the experience at their schools.
When I finished the lesson I said, “So, MY homework is to come up with the page and provide you with the papers with the questions and post your links…” And that was an interesting feeling. I had to do something…
Their homework was to send me the links for the first readings. To my surprise, one particular student that had seemed so indifferent in previous classes, was the first to send me the e-mail with her suggestions. And she did it right after class. Another one surprised me too. She sent the links and the questions she was supposed to come up with for the book discussion activity we are having next Monday. She was supposed to prepare 5 questions and she had 19!
This experience is so rewarding… I think learning takes place when there is the intrinsic motivation for both teachers and learners… And teachers should do things having Autonomy, Mastery and Purpose in mind!
Helô
Hi Helo,
ReplyDeleteYou are an inspiration!
You blog perfectly reflects the problems we face today with the children.
Marsi