Savannah Bullington

Education 115-02

Dr. Lawson

4/4/18

Education 115 End of Course Paper

What are the students learning and how is the teacher facilitating the learning? Describe

the instructional strategies used by the teacher.

During my observations, students were placed in groups to create a political

party according to the political compass and political ideology survey results. The

survey was along the lines of a mindset test. The survey asked questions and placed

students in political party categories based on their answers. The survey isn't 100%

accurate but it placed students in a political party that most closely suited their mindset.

This assignment was along the lines of project-based learning. Students had to work

together collaboratively to do research that applies to real-world situations. Students

had to think critically and logically, reason, and use problem-solving skills to complete

the project successfully.

The teacher assigned the students group dynamics. All decisions were reached

by consensus. This was a group project requiring group effort and division of labor for

research, writing the platform, creating and videotaping an infomercial or other visuals.

The group could only be as strong as its weakest link. The students were asked to be

inclusive and not reclusive. In each group, there was a chairperson. This student leads
the discussion, assigned tasks, and organized material for the final presentation. They

also were the ones who appeared in the debate on the issues defending their party's

platform. Each group was assigned two members to act as public relations managers.

These students wrote and directed the commercial, selected the party slogan, song,

and created the party symbol. Each party had a platform addressing the following

issues: the economy, defense and foreign affairs, immigration, environment and energy,

civil rights, seniors and social security, health care, ethics, and any other creative ideas.

I found this interesting to observe the different ideas and thoughts on these issues from

each political party. Students researched the current public thoughts on these issues

and applied them to their own thinking.

Student involvement in this activity was a success. The students were given

three days in class to prepare for the debate. All students were actively engaged in this

assignment and utilized class time wisely in completing their task. The teacher

facilitated the learning by allowing students to be creative and form their ideas. Leading

up to the debate, each party's song was played as they entered the room. During the

debate, the teacher was the spokesperson who asked the questions to each party.

Students had to be prepared in answering the questions in a way that would support

their platform. During the middle of the debate, the teacher paused the debate and

played each parties infomercial. The students were creative and a little silly at times but

it was visible they were enjoying the assignment.

In conclusion, this instructional strategy is one that I plan to adapt in my

classroom. I believe students will be more engaged in the learning if I make it relevant

to their life or real-world involvement. It's also important that students practice skills
such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and reasoning & logic. These are the skills

they will take away from the classroom and implement in the real world.