Students were asked to research three innovative gadgets that will soon be hitting the market, and then to create a presentation using that information to teach others how to write more effectively.
The assignment involved using their research skills to identify relevant sources and then to evaluate the sources to determine their validity and usefulness. This fulfills one of our IB Learner Profiles: Inquirers.
Then, to develop their writing skills, they were asked to research, from a variety of sources, information on how to write effective, lucid and cohesive paragraphs. Combining the information about gadgets, and their research about writing, the students then created a PowerPoint presentation or training video to teach others how to structure paragraphs better. This fulfills another Learner Profile: Communicators.
The students then sat opposite each other and spent time presenting their work to their partners. After each pair had shared, the students rotated so that they could present to a new partner. This way, each student was able to ask questions, discuss issues and learn from each other.
Their follow-up task will be to write an advertisement for their chosen gadget using paragraphs which show that they have applied what they have learned – a useful way to revise for their writing paper.
Mr Alan Pritchard