Pitching to the Sharks

On Tuesday students presented their ideas to the class during “Pitch to the Sharks”.  There was a wide variation in style of pitches and project ideas.  The students not only had to tell “what” they are doing but they also were to explain their motivation and their tentative plans for the next six weeks. It appeared some students were much more serious about their project and better prepared than others.

  After researching their ideas several students were discouraged because their ideas were much more complex and difficult than they had initially imagined. Some of these students wanted to quit or change their idea.  I encouraged them, however, to stick with their original idea even if it was going to be different than they had expected.

  Next week is our Spring Break so we will not be meeting as a class. Students know they must still work on their project and post in their blog.  I was surprised to learn in class that most of the students had not checked into their blog once they had posted! I reminded them of the importance of blogging and that they are expected to respond to questions and comments posted on their blog.

  As we progress in our projects, some concerns are becoming obvious and I find myself racing faster to solve these before they become problems. For instance, it was obvious from their first blogs that some students were not giving much thought to their plan and how it could be carried out for this project. In fact, some students set up a blog but had no tentative project at all.

  One of my concerns at this point in the project is the time crunch we on in because six weeks is not long enough for some physical projects to come to fruition.  For example, I have a couple of students that are gardening and some that are attempting to change eating and exercise habits. Next semester, I will still use only 20% of the class time but spread it throughout the entire semester.

  Another concern I have is whether students are keeping accurate records of their research.  I am excited the amount of research some of the students are doing. In fact, several have even, on their own, found mentors who are experts on the students’ projects. However, I think I need to reiterate the necessity of recording all research during the process and not waiting until their final project to try to recall all their sources.

  This project continues to energize and excite me.  I am learning lots and constantly striving to stay a step ahead of the students. For me, Spring Break will be spent conducting research and planning ways to best implement the ideas so that the students’ intrinsic motivation will intensify!