Action+Research+Plan

Problem:
====In past tests, especially this past fall, I noticed that when students were asked to analyze a work of art and describe the Elements and Principles of Design, they would mix up the two categories or would try to fill up their writing area with random thoughts and opinions over the work as opposed to correctly addressing the question. To me, it was frustrating because each lesson we've taught, we analyze and go into depth over each element and defend our work with the principles. ====

Question:
Will integrating 21st Century Skills and Tools improve student achievement on understanding and recognizing Elements and Principles of Design?

Plan:
====Integrate 21st Century Skills and Tools into my lesson plans. Have students collaborate on recognizing elements and principles on Masterpieces on a Wiki. Have students journal about their artwork and presenting and defending their work on their own Wiki page. Administer pre and post tests over the standard to gauge student understanding. Use formative assessment in the classroom in projects and quizzes over the course of the teaching and after the lesson to check understanding.====

**Reflection:**
====I was very cautious about this process and proceeded slowly and in reflecting back, wish I would have gone full force and initiated this earlier. The kids had a great time with the Wikis and were much more adventurous and a little playful at first -- going beyond class requirements and teasing each other online. Following our first few Wiki adventures, I did highlight that I can see *all edits* that are taking place and noted a few unacademic discussions.==== ====I am amazed at the potential this truly has. I initially just wanted this as a portfolio and e's and p's reinforcement ... but noticed that in one discussion, a student pointed out to another he was using the wrong photograph. I can forsee ongoing critiques and presenting good and poor examples and having students evaluate a project before we start so that they can strive for the best and avoid some mistakes. This really can be much more ... and it makes me really want a mobile lab or laptops readily available for students. We had a lab next door, and we ended the school year wrapping up our wikis and reflecting ... and I believe it truly helped many students do a better job on their final exams.====

====I did notice there were some students much more comfortable with this process and some that did not have an e-mail address yet. One student wanted me to keep track of his password and did indeed forget it -- but I did maintain I NOT keep track of their passwords. Everyone did pick up or learn something new, whether it be photo editing or working with the Wiki.====

**Implications for Future Work:**
====In reflecting, this project has definitely influenced how my future approach will be to other classes, especially after looking over my Graphics classes scores on their semester test. I will continue the pre test and post test in all classes -- and want to provide immediate feedback on growth. I'd also like students to create their own whole Wiki Portfolio in all Design and Graphics classes next year (gradually building up) so that students are in charge of their own photos and records of projects, progress, and reflections and terms.====