QUEST 6

Hello QUEST Families, I am thrilled to be teaching 6th grade QUEST this year. Having always been a hands-on teacher, the problem-based learning format is right up my alley. While I wish I could see them all day, every day, the schedule weve worked out is as follows. On Thursdays the children will be pulled out of 7th and 8th periods (math and religion). Fridays, they will attend QUEST 1st period (language arts).

Conflict
Conflicts can be both positive and negative, but have the power to create changes to make our world a better place.

Welcome to 6th Grade QUEST! Conflicts...finding the positive.

QUEST students are NOT required to make-up classwork that they miss when pulled-out. They will receive an E for excused in the grade book. Students ARE responsible for any homework assigned that night. I am working closely with the math, religion, and language arts teachers to make sure that while in QUEST, the children are not missing important content. If it is necessary for one or all of the children to remain in class instead of attending QUEST, they can just pick up where they left off when they return.

6th Grade Quest Schedule

Thursday: 12:55-2:30 Friday: 8:00-8:45

What is Problem Based Learning?

Problem-based learning (PBL) is a method of teaching in which teachers use real-world problems as the starting point for the acquisition of new knowledge (Lambros, 2). Upon encountering the problem scenario, students create a list of facts (what they already know). Based on this list, the students then determine what they need to find out (learning issues) in order to generate a list of possible solutions. This cycle continues as students research and reassess their learning needs as they come closer and closer to a defendable solution. Through the PBL process students use critical thinking, problem-solving, research, and cooperative learning skills. The sixth grade yearlong theme of CONFLICTS was chosen for the enduring understandings and generalizations: 1.Con\licts may occur in everyday life. 2.Understanding the positive and negative sides of con\licts may help people make better choices. 3.Making better choices may prevent future con\licts. 4.Con\licts are not always negative.

My Contact Information

Ann Gohsman, M.Ed. 6th & 7th Quest Teacher agohsman@popplano.org (972) 380-5505 x209 (school) (214) 207-9024 (cell)