Student Work Display: Build them; Use Them

Student Work Displays

Display to focus on teaching and learning.

Student Work in Phases with Feedback

"I Can" Chart

          




         
 A great example of a student work display is one that demonstrates the process of reading, language study and writing. The teacher's use of wall space as a portfolio indicates an understanding of how language-based behaviors influence comprehension. The unique approach is worth noting. This display illustrates how a teacher can use the curricular GLEs and 'I Can' statements that weave into a deeper connection of comprehension, persuasion and voice in writing.   This eighth grade example is one which you should find and review.  It clearly outlines the process and the teacher has given specific feedback throughout.  Student work is staged and you will clearly see how students independently uncovered the information to form a persuasive argument.  The work and teaching are authentic and engaging.  I look forward to reading the final pieces once they are displayed.
It would be easy and quite direct to teach the individual skill of comma, equivilency or organelle. However, that would be a surface structure and we are after deep structures!  The students discovered how a writer uses persuasive technique and organization to convince his/her audience of their purpose.

 Student Work  displays that teach and self-regulate

Social Studies Outlining Note Display

         This display can be found in a social studies class.  Student work displays can be an area where students can find answers to questions independently.  The teacher explicitly describes the process through a co-constructed chart and specific description.  The student work to the left of the description has ties to areas of the rubric that demonstrated quality.  It's a clever way to give feedback and point students in the direction to help themselves when taking notes or completing inquiry.

It's the Feedback that makes the difference

Feedback to reinforce and lift

          Feedback can be easily overlooked.  It is the critical ingredient for a student work display.  Students can reflect on the feedback and know what is it that made this piece quality and how can it be improved.     These two examples, 7th grade math and 8th grade science, illustrate that feedback can come in many forms.  These teachers found their own voice and made it work for them and their students.

Answering a feedback question

I've been in every classroom looking at student work.  I found that 100% of the classrooms 6-8 had a display.  Two were under construction and will be finished.  There are sixteen examples that are exemplary.  There are examples to be found in the exploratory classrooms also.  You should find you way to guidance, business and spanish to see them.  They are also a unique representation of the work students do in those classrooms.  If you haven't gotten a display up please remember that we all teach and student work display is how we demonstrate the value and purpose of instruction.

          During professional development you will be asked to look  for the eleven and give the teacher positive feedback.  You will find that you will see that no two are exactly alike but each have their own unique flavor and the teacher made sense of it.

Don't just tell me; show me!" YOU DID THAT! Congratulations!!  I'm very impressed with the level of implementation.  Thank you.

Reflect on your student work display. Use it as an opportunity to analyze your practices and work to implement at deeper levels during this genre study.

Prompt for response: Reflect on what have you planned this week that demonstrates the integration of strategic learning behaviors and it's influence on curriculum. What evidence are you collecting and how will you know kids are reaching your target?