The GenWe Classroom (view)

Units included with this Open Author resource:

Unit 1: Big Questions
Learning goals:
Apply the Big Question concept to the classroom.
Keywords:
big question, self-organized learning environments, creating a classroom constitution
Unit 2: The GenWe Classroom Database
Learning goals:
Design web pages for the GenWe Classroom., Develop the web pages for student use.
Keywords:
database, open source materials, collaboration
Unit 3: Predicting the Content of the Classroom Constitution
Learning goals:
Predict what the students will put in their classroom constitution., Devise method to observe students.
Keywords:
predicting outcomes, preparing a classroom plan
Unit 4: The Role of the Teacher
Learning goals:
Identify role as a teacher in the GenWe Classroom.
Keywords:
advising students, Unobtrusive Measures, modeling target behaviors
Unit 5: The Teacher's Guide
Learning goals:
Create a teacher's guide., Create step by step procedures for managing the classroom.
Keywords:
teacher's guide, managing conflict, record observations, Self-evaluation
Unit 6: Feedback form ideas
Learning goals:
Create feedback form for students.
Keywords:
self-reflection, Critial Thinking, peer evaluation, accepting feedback
Unit 7: The role of the teacher during constitution creation.
Learning goals:
Identify the role of the teacher., Prepare conflict resolution materials for students to use.
Keywords:
conflict mediation and resolution, observation, adaptation
Unit 8: What Students will Study
Learning goals:
Identify the structure of the learning space., Predict the needs of the students.
Keywords:
independent study, intrinsic motivation, flexible learning environment
Unit 9: Assessment and evaluation
Learning goals:
Predict assessment and evaluation preferences of students., Prepare responses to possible requests of predicted preferences.
Keywords:
student-directed evaluation and assessment, peer evaluation, defending learning outcomes

Summary

This is a teacher guide for operating a GenWe classroom. From the very beginning to the launch of the program, these resources will help teachers and students build the ideal learning environment to improve social competence. What is the GenWe Classroom? It is an elective course for middle and high school students designed to help them learn how to interact and cooperate and use technology responsibly. The class is managed by the students and teachers collaboratively. The structure of the class allows the students to make decisions based on evaluating the input from peers, near-peers, and adults. In order for normal social situations to occur, the students need to be allowed to manage themselves, including their learning. Ideally the GenWe Classroom will include a budget. Students will be responsible for planning the learning materials they will need for the semester.