Show Me Learning

Background:

Twenty four Project WhistleStop cadre teachers met over several months. They developed the definitions and descriptions for Show Me Learning presented in this section. The teachers' classroom assignments ranged from teaching second grade through senior high school. Three Library Media Specialists and two administrators also participated in the process of developing the definition and descriptions.

Show Me Learning Overview:
  1. Summary: The term "Show Me Learning" was developed by project teachers to reflect a combination of Missouri "Show Me Standards" and Project/Inquiry Based Learning.
  2. Rationale for Applying Show Me Learning in the classroom:The future of education is dependent on teachers preparing students to be self motivated learners who are focused on projects and goals while developing their communication, problem solving, and research skills.

The Structure of Show Me Learning:

    Show Me Learning Assumes

    • Existence of a problem to be solved, or

    • Existence of an issue to resolve, or

    • Existence of a topic to explore

    Students are focused on work that involves (These terms are defined in the next section):

    • Investigation
    • Problem Solving
    • State Standards
    • Communication
    • Learner engagement
    • Orientation toward results
    • Assessment
    • Process or product reflection
    • Student ownership through some choices

    Definitions:

    Investigation: The students are--
    • Searching for significant questions
    • Analyzing and Evaluating the questions
    • Exploring questions from many perspectives including both primary and secondary sources.
    • Posing meaningful questions
    • Gathering information to achieve a purpose

    Problem Solving: The students are--

    • Identifying problems
    • Seeking solutions
    • Conducting research
    • Analyzing data
    • Selecting information
    • Integrating information
    • Connecting new information to previously learned knowledge

    Standards Related: The students and teachers are--

    • Focusing on clearly stated goals and objectives: In Missouri, emphasizing the Missouri Show Me Standards (All Show Me Learning terms are based on the Missouri Show-Me Standards which were developed by teachers, parents, and policy-makers from around the state.)

    Communication: The students are--

    • Exchanging information effectively through reading, writing, speaking and/or listening.

    Learner Engagement: The students are--

    • Assuming ownership
    • Assuming responsibility
    • Dividing tasks
    • Working together
    • Planning strategies
    • Choosing a variety of approaches to work
    • Recognizing the tasks that need to be done
    • Discussing progress with teacher
    • Seeking solutions to problems
    • Persevering

    Orientation toward results: The students are---

    • Accomplishing goals or objectives to complete a product, process, or recommendation

    Assessment: The teachers are---

    • Gathering of information to make judgments
    • Giving feedback to aid student success
    • Analyzing efforts/ work/ beliefs/ results
    • Developing and using a scoring guide
    • Providing ongoing input and direction and evaluation

    Process and Product Reflection: The students and teachers are---

    • Thinking about thinking
    • Analyzing the benefits/ problems of an activity or product
    • Deciding on possible improvements or new strategies

    Student Ownership through Choices: The students are---

    • Choosing at least one area including: the approach, task, project, organization format, partner, etc:
Bibliography:

  • Buck Institute: Project-Based Learning Overview
    		•
  • Southeast Service Cooperative
    		•
  • University of Texas Medical Branch
    		•
  • University of Delaware Problem Based Learning
    		•
  • Missouri State Board of Education. (January 18, 1996). Overview of Performance Standards [online] (Nov. 16, 1998).
    		•
  • Birk, Lisa "What's so Bad about the Lecture?" The Education Digest, May 1997. p58-65
    		•
  • Share, Elizabeth, and Rogers, Laurette. "Get Real!: Project-Based Learning." Learning Magazine January/February 1997, p29.
    		•

    The Harry S. Truman Library and Museum is one of twelve Presidential Libraries administered by the National Archives and Records Administration.

    500 W. US Hwy. 24. Independence MO 64050
    truman.library@nara.gov    ;
    Phone: 816-268-8200 or 1-800-833-1225;
    Fax: 816-268-8295.