Students will be directed to this site in class.

Subject: English

Stage 5, Year 9

Due: 4 weeks from today

Task: Create a wiki in a group of THREE focusing on TWO Shakespearean texts.

1. Choose TWO plays from the list below:

Macbeth

Julius Caesar

Romeo and Juliet

The Merchant of Venice

Much Ado About Nothing

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Try to choose two contrasting genres. i.e. a tragedy and a comedy. Summaries of each play will be provided in class. ALL GROUP MEMBERS MUST READ BOTH TEXTS THAT YOU CHOOSE.

2. All group members set up, design and contribute to a wiki (using pbwiki.com). The wiki MUST contain:

a) A front page with an introduction to your site and links to each separate page.

b) For each text:

i) A list of the main characters with an explanation of their role in the text.

ii) Analysis of themes that are contained in the text. (At least two.)

iii) Six of your favorite quotes from the text and a detailed explanation of why you chose each quote.

iv) A summary of at least three critics’ views of the text sourced from outside the internet. (At least 200 words each.)

v) Each group member’s opinion of the text. (min. 300 words.)

vi) An appropriate YouTube clip of the text.

vii) Post as many relevant and appropriate websites as possible on del.icio.us and paste the link into the wiki.

c) A page of your parents/guardians opinion of each text. Teach your parent/guardian how to use the wiki and post their opinion of each text. (Approx. 100 words on each text.)

d) A separate page FOR EACH GROUP MEMBER evaluating your findings. Answer these questions:

i) What were the similarities and differences between your opinion of the texts and your other group members?

ii) What were the similarities and differences between your opinion and the critics?

iii) What were the similarities and differences between your opinion and all the parents/guardians?

iv) Why do you think these similarities and differences occurred?

v) Did you enjoy this assessment? Why/why not?

Implementing Hattie’s characteristics of the expert teacher.

3. Monitoring Learning and Provide Feedback

As this assessment is completed on-line it is easy for the students to submit. It is also easy for the teacher to monitor progress as they can view the wiki at any time. Thus feedback can be given at any time during the construction of the assignment and not just when it is completed.

5. Influencing Student Outcomes

E14. Expert teachers provide appropriate challenging tasks and goals for students.

E16. Expert teachers enhance surface and deep learning.

As this assessment requires students to use their own knowledge and ideas it is challenging and encourages deep learning. They gain self-esteem as learners because they have to discover themes, ideas, and links without a teacher.

Incorporating Bloom’s revised taxonomy.

This assessment encourages students to use higher order thinking. They have to ANALYSE the themes and characters of the the texts as well as others opinions. They have to APPLY their thoughts in language form and use their knowledge of Web 2.0. They have to form UNDERSTANDING of the texts and others opinions. The students have their assignment in wiki format so that they have ready access to REMEMBER their work and apply it later in an exam or other situation.

Catering for Multiple Intelligences

This assessment caters for all multiple intelligences. It caters for students who are ANALYTIC as it has a structured, logical format and requires the analysis of two texts and differing opinions. For those students who are INTERACTIVE it is great because it gives the opportunity to work in a group, is focused on language use, and is a practical activity. Finally, INTROSPECTIVE students have the ability to create something visually pleasing and certain tasks require intrapersonal thinking, i.e. own thoughts and reflection.

Structure and Motivation

This is a highly structured assignment. It follows almost the same structure as for a lesson. Part 1 is like an introduction, students choose and read the two texts and the summaries so that they have the background to the activities. Part 2 is similar to the main activities of a lesson. Students analyse the text and combine ideas in a group situation. It requires communication, social interaction, and turning the construction of knowledge into written word. Students build up their skills with Web 2.0, group values, and are focused with specific key questions. Part D of Part 2 is like a conclusion. The students reflect on what they have learned about differing opinions of a text and are asked to comment on the effectiveness of the assignment.

There are many ways that students are motivated to learn and complete the assignment. For a start, it is not a particularly hard assignment. It does not require a great deal of research and the creation of a long detailed essay. Students are motivated through social interaction in their group, this makes it more fun and divides the work up, plus encourages hard work so that other group members are not let down after marking. As said earlier, the format of the assignment on a wiki enables the teacher to keep watch on the progress of the groups and provide motivation and leadership as needed. Parent/guardian participation is required and this motivates students as they are given the opportunity to take on a teaching role. Also, as all students have to complete one section all by themselves they are motivated by inclusion.

Overview structure of learning project

Students have four weeks to complete assignment.

Week 1:

1. Choose the two texts you wish to study.

2. Start reading one of the texts.

3. Set up wiki.

4. Write own opinion of text.

Week 2:

1. Read second text.

2. Research critics opinions.

3. Start analysing texts characters, themes, quotes.

4. Write own opinion for second text.

Week 3:

1. Have parents/guardians become familiar with texts.

2. Finish off the analysis of the texts.

3. Find and post appropriate related websites and YouTube videos.

4. Summarise critics opinions.

Week 4:

1. Have parents/guardians post opinions on wiki’s.

2. Complete Part D.

3. Make sure all questions have been completed and wiki is presented clearly and neatly.