Mar 25 2008
6th Grade ELL Students Embrace Voice Thread
After the phenomenal success of our 6th grade class participation in World Maths Day, our class had an in-depth discussion on what motivates middle school students to take an active role in learning. From this starting point our discussion trailed off to discuss what the ideal school of the future would look like, and if students could have 30 seconds to send a message to teachers around the world, what would that message be. This conversation among 6th graders quickly grew wings and we set off to seek a global audience. This was our first class Voice Thread. A most rewarding surprise arose out of this adventure, our 6th grade class found their voice. A little background knowledge, in a 6th grade class of 30 students, we share 16 different primary languages and cultures. The ELL students in our class are bright as can be, yet many of them struggle to express their voice in class discussions and in their writing. That was until the arrival of Voice Thread. Look out World, Mr. V’s 6th grade class has found their voice, and they have a lot to say.
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@podpirate, it’s way cool to hear these kids. I hope they hear themselves online and understand the power that this simple step implies - a normal 6th grade kid’s voice can be hears ANYWHERE. I have a 5th grader. I hope she gets exposed to stuff like this.
@philiphodgen
phil,
Yes, it is very cool to hear the voices of these 6th graders. The reaction as they heard the power of their voices for the first time was priceless. I hope that more and more teachers take the opportunity to put their student’s voices up on a World Stage. I have some students that are now “Active Learners” that were once “Passive Learners” at best.
Podpirate,
Excellent job with this Voicethread. I wanted to make a push for Mathsday here in Western New York, but didn’t do a very good job (hopefully next year). I jumped to your blog after seeing your tweet for bloggers with good Web 2.0 posts….I’m drawing a blank with ones I’ve seen lately (and I don’t think I have any that would help you). However, I am JUST starting a voicethread.ning.com site that I’ll try to get people to share educational resources, so I’m sure I’ll be back for your input.
Thanks again, great job……does Dean Shareski have his hands in everything???
Mark Carls
Thanks for the comment Mark. My 6th grade class really loves voicethread for classroom projects. And yes, Dean Shareski does have his hands in everything. He is a great guy and hopefully our paths will cross at a technology conference someday. I’m sure I will be communicating with you in the near future.