Usually on the last day before Christmas, a christmas movie or activity is completed or "busywork." This year I decided, instead of watching a movie, why not let the students create one? Today, I tried an activity that I read about on a blog. My students were put in groups of 3-4 and given 11 questions of review. They were then given the following instructions with a flipcam (mini video camera).
Directions
Figure out the solution to three different problems on paper and check to make sure it is correct. Check your solution with the answer key.
Plan out a 2 minute or less presentation. See Presentation below.
Write out the section/problem number(s) on your whiteboard or desk.
Write out the question with any key information on your whiteboard or desk.
Write out part of the problem’s solution on your whiteboard or desk.
Remember each person will do some explaining in the video.
Make sure that your writing is big enough to see through the video.
Get a “FLIP” and read the instructions about “The FLIP”. See below.
Once you are finished with your presentation, return the “FLIP” and begin working on the rest of the homework assignment. Make sure you put a note-card with your names and section/problem into the black bag of the FLIP.
Presentation: 2 minutes or less (redo your video if it is over 2 minutes)
VIDEO
1. Introduce yourselves: first names only.
2. Read the section/problem number(s) from the writing on your whiteboard or desk.
3. Read the question and any key information from the writing on your whiteboard or desk.
4. Explain the solution that you have written out on your whiteboard or desk so far.
5. Finish the problem by actually writing in front of the “flip” while explaining the solution.
6. Thank the audience for their time and to have a good day.
The students started to collaborate and solve the questions. Surprisingly, on the last day before Christmas, students were engaged on meaningful tasks. Below are some of the videos that were created. I published one of them from my ESL student explaining in English how to do math.
ESL Student talking math
Another student discussion elimination.
I cannot find the original blog were this activity was created, if you do know the author please comment so I can give him/her the recognition he/she deserves.
As someone who witnessed this class, I would have to say that the students were totally engaged in the learning that was taking place. Kudos to the teacher who motivates his students to be interested in learning!
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