Wicked Problem Project CEP 812

Wicked Problem Project In 3 Parts

Part 1



Part 2



Part 3



The audience for this problem and solution is fellow teachers. It could also be used for administrators.

Problem:

In the foreign language classroom, it is essential that students communicate with each other in the target language and continually practice their language skills. Performance assessments and group projects are a way for foreign language teachers to assess student learning and progress. However working with group members, varying schedules, and meeting deadlines always seem to lead to issues. The problem I am addressing is collaboration in the Foreign Language classroom for group projects and performance assessments.

Solution:

To address the problem, I will introduce students to Google Docs. Google Docs will allow students to collaborate in real time on projects, such as writing assignments, creating presentations, assessing reading comprehension, collection information, etc. With Google Docs, students will have an opportunity to work together at school and work remotely from home without having the need to be in one central location. With this technology, students no longer need to have a common meeting time to get togehter' they can call work on the same assignment at a time that is convenient for them. One other great feature of Google Docs, is that all the information is stored in the 'cloud', students can access their documents from any computer and at any time with out any worry that they left an assignment at school or home, or that they do not have the necessary software at home to complete the assignment. This solution also allows for ongoing feedback from peers, group members and teachers, which will in turn lead to better project creation.

The focus for my Wicked Problem Project is collaborative group work in the foreign language classroom for performance assessment. It is important for foreign language educators to assess progress of students in their written, comprehension, speaking, and listening skills. Many of these assessments are done in small groups and require collaboration to accomplish the task. By applying principals of TPACK to the solution, one can ensure that we are highlighting technology, content, and pedagogy in our delivery.

1.     What is the TP knowledge for the solution?

The technology I have chosen to help facilitate group collaboration in the foreign language classroom is Google Docs. With Google Docs, students have the option to create a document, presentation, spreadsheet, form, drawing, or use a template to present information.  Because communication is such a big player in the French classroom, students must interact with other classmates in the target language. Performance assessments, such as creating a written document, writing and performing a skit, creating a presentation, or communicating with others are essential ways for teachers to assess skills and progress. Google docs allows for collaboration with group members, it makes the information easily accessible at any computer and at any time, and allows for editing and feedback from other group members, classmates, or teachers.

2.     What is the TC knowledge for the solution?

Essentially, the problem being addressed is group collaboration for French performance assessments. The performance assessments are widely variable and can include anything from writing a skit, to creating a menu, presenting information on French culture or history, or interviewing other students to name a few. Google Docs makes the content or topic more accessible to students by allowing them to access the information at any time and on any computer, they can read and watch as other group members contribute, they can edit (add/omit) information, and they can provide feedback to others throughout the process. Also, one main focus in any foreign language classroom is communication. This tool allows not only for communication in English, but is a tool to help promote and facilitate communication in the target language from the most novice language student to the most advanced.

3.     What is the PC knowledge for the solution?

The focus of any foreign language classroom is to teach students how to communicate through reading, writing, speaking, and listening at the same time teaching about the culture, history, and arts of the target language. My focus is the French language and all that it has to offer. Google docs allows for and enhances group work and collaboration, role-playing, outlining, artifact creation, and can all be applied and carried out in the target language or in varying degrees based on the level of the language learner.