II.+Curriculum+Design+and+Assessment

TASK + EFFORT = ACHIEVEMENT
= =

Studies show that there is a correlation between effort and achievement. Therefore, the effort a student put into a task is connected to achievement. Educators need to find ways to reinforce effort and help student realize the connection between effort and achievement. For example, teachers could use real life heroes as examples of the positive effect of a solid effort.= Some tools listed are: **DEVICES TO HELP STUDENTS STAY ON TASK AND KEEP TRACK OF THEIR EFFORT & PROGRESS**
 * Time Management Skills
 * Task Contracts
 * Research portfolios
 * Rubrics
 * Checklists

=**METACOGNITIVE SKILLS**=

Teacher Librarians can help students develop their metacognitive skills by offering guiding questions throughout the research process and encouraging **self assessment and reflection**:


 * Self-reflection strategies spur student effort, personal accountability and ownership, legitimizing their effort.
 * As educators, we can help create interest and fine tune the focus so that students make the effort.
 * Motivation is the rational to teaching students to question.
 * We need to encourage student curiosity, capture their interest, and focus their enthusiasm on current topics.
 * Curiosity is a critical factor in the learning process both as a motivator and facilitator.
 * To simulate curiosity, develop a culture of inquiry in your school.
 * Engaging = hands on, minds on learning experiences

= Example: Simple Reflection Tool to Build Metacognition =



**EMPOWERING STUDENTS TO ASK QUESTIONS AND CARE ABOUT THE ANSWERS**
=Questions Elevate the Quality of Research:=
 * Shifts thinking form product to process
 * Moves towards students-directed learning
 * Builds culture of inquiry
 * Is engaging and relevant – students owns the project
 * Deepens understanding

=Research Based on Effective Questions:= = Example of Developing Understanding with Question Builder Chart (pg 56) =
 * Stimulates curiosity
 * Demands rich information sources
 * Guides and focuses research
 * Provokes deep thought
 * Promotes analysis and synthesis
 * Enables personal understanding
 * Encourages transfer

Questions are key to having students organize their thoughts and make a plan for their research:
= = 
 * The teacher librarian’s intervention in a school can spark student interest and spur effort.
 * Futurist tell us that students will need critical thinking skills and the ability to critically access information in all its forms.
 * We need students to think about ways to create relevant real-work that will engage them, allowing them to be successful.

=** Bottom Line: Questions will elevate the quality of research projects. **= =** Questions are the answers to building knowledge and understanding. **=




 * Koechlin, Carol & Zwaan,Sandi. “Assignments Worth the Effort” pg. 55-63.**