Revisions not completed For any of the levels, the student has an opportunity to revise his or her work to score at a higher level. Usually, they have one week from the time the product or feedback is given to resubmit revisions. We believe that the project method is worthwhile because students learn content knowledge and skills in group interactions and group development. They learn that they must compromise and reach consensus in some areas, that they must share resources and time schedules, and that it is efficient to divide labor and use one another's strengths. Overall, they learn meaningful ways to work interactively with others on long-term projects.
Students also receive multiple credits.
Since cooperative group work is used, students can divide the labor based upon strengths or interests of the group members, and bring it back together in the defense. In some projects, we need to strengthen science and mathematics connections, talk with language teachers or art teachers about credits there, bring in more vocational possibilities, and look for more authentic audiences. There's lots of growing to do. We'd also like to get more involved in linking student work with external research opportunities. Because of scheduling, it is not always possible to do group assessments of presentations.