4C's - Collaboration, Communication, Creativity, Critical Thinking
Much has been made about the 4C's. I pride myself on running a program that specializes in delivering engaging content while encouraging the 4C's on a daily basis. Without the 4C's, this program couldn't run.
Collaboration: Students work within small groups to produce all the content for a show. Each student is responsible for a piece of the show that is then brought together in the ultimate form of collaboration in the studio. I tell the students, we are only as good as the weakest link.
Communication: Students communicate with each other in teams to produce the shows SHS Today and Hornet Nation.
Creativity: Every day the students look for creative ways to solve problems and produce engaging content. This is the definition of video production.
Critical Thinking: Producing content with industry standard video equipment requires critical thinking skills at a high level. When a student is running a switcher with command over 100+ lighted buttons at their finger tips, this thinking is evident.
Collaboration: Students work within small groups to produce all the content for a show. Each student is responsible for a piece of the show that is then brought together in the ultimate form of collaboration in the studio. I tell the students, we are only as good as the weakest link.
Communication: Students communicate with each other in teams to produce the shows SHS Today and Hornet Nation.
Creativity: Every day the students look for creative ways to solve problems and produce engaging content. This is the definition of video production.
Critical Thinking: Producing content with industry standard video equipment requires critical thinking skills at a high level. When a student is running a switcher with command over 100+ lighted buttons at their finger tips, this thinking is evident.
The Learning Environment:
My classroom was once described to me by another teacher (who was passing by) as “organized chaos”. I looked at that teacher and smiled. It was exactly what I had planned.
To the casual observer, any given day in my classroom will look chaotic. But to me that means the system is working! I have structured my classroom with systems that allow the most flexibility with the least amount of distraction to the learning process possible. Organization is key. I am fortunate enough to work in a room that has ample storage space. Along my walls are cabinets, each labeled for various pieces of equipment. The students sign out equipment from the cabinets with hang tags. If the student has the equipment, there is a tag hanging on the door.
Students are free to leave the classroom by way of a project pass. These hang on numbered hooks along the wall. Each student is assigned a number. If the pass is not on the hook, they have signed out of the class, made eye contact with me, and will be checking back in within fifteen minutes of leaving. Checking in and out is done with a simple eye-contact gesture. The students think it is silly, (I make them do it anyway) but it seems to work!
I have found over the years that the best way to keep track of equipment is to store it out in the open. All 28 pairs of headphones are hanging on hooks above the computers. In the last three years, I haven’t lost a single pair.
Students are trusted to sign out cameras for overnight use. They are signed out after school and checked back in the next morning. The students respect the opportunity and responsibility of this process.
In the middle of my classroom are tables and chairs. These are flexible and allow for notes and demonstrations or to be brought together for small group meetings. Hanging over the tables in the middle of the classroom are three light globes. At first they look like simple decoration, but I have found their output of light creates a mood that the students enjoy. The lights help to spark creativity and calm even the craziest kids. Around the outside of the room are the computers. They are facing the walls so I can monitor student projects, yet allow them to work in small groups when necessary.
To the casual observer, any given day in my classroom will look chaotic. But to me that means the system is working! I have structured my classroom with systems that allow the most flexibility with the least amount of distraction to the learning process possible. Organization is key. I am fortunate enough to work in a room that has ample storage space. Along my walls are cabinets, each labeled for various pieces of equipment. The students sign out equipment from the cabinets with hang tags. If the student has the equipment, there is a tag hanging on the door.
Students are free to leave the classroom by way of a project pass. These hang on numbered hooks along the wall. Each student is assigned a number. If the pass is not on the hook, they have signed out of the class, made eye contact with me, and will be checking back in within fifteen minutes of leaving. Checking in and out is done with a simple eye-contact gesture. The students think it is silly, (I make them do it anyway) but it seems to work!
I have found over the years that the best way to keep track of equipment is to store it out in the open. All 28 pairs of headphones are hanging on hooks above the computers. In the last three years, I haven’t lost a single pair.
Students are trusted to sign out cameras for overnight use. They are signed out after school and checked back in the next morning. The students respect the opportunity and responsibility of this process.
In the middle of my classroom are tables and chairs. These are flexible and allow for notes and demonstrations or to be brought together for small group meetings. Hanging over the tables in the middle of the classroom are three light globes. At first they look like simple decoration, but I have found their output of light creates a mood that the students enjoy. The lights help to spark creativity and calm even the craziest kids. Around the outside of the room are the computers. They are facing the walls so I can monitor student projects, yet allow them to work in small groups when necessary.
