Out of This World allows students to view themselves as global citizens, taking an interdisciplinary approach. As citizenship identity is a key learning outcome in the Alberta Program of Studies in Social Studies, the Out of This World project focuses on examining multiple perspectives and connections among local, national and global issues, developing students’ understanding of citizenship and identity and the interdependent or conflicting nature of individuals, communities, societies and nations (Alberta Education, 2007).
Authenticity: Throughout this project, students are not only the drivers of their own learning, but they are finding creative solutions to a question which has many layers and also a real-world application. Within this interdisciplinary project, we foster engagement by getting students to make connections between their lives and their learning. There are different approaches students may take in completing this project, allowing for creativity and flexibility within lessons. When students seek out knowledge themselves, researching cultures of different countries for example, the knowledge may become more authentic to the student. Our planning includes purposeful scaffolding for clarity as well as for challenge. Students are clearly able to see where they are going and why they are headed there, as we have created checkpoints along the way through formative assessment strategies.
Academic Rigor: Out of This World is designed to enable students to make real-world connections, grapple with complex material, as well as determine the why behind their learning. In our project design, we took an interdisciplinary and multi-modal approach to learning tasks. Because students take the lead on this project in researching, making informed decisions regarding working with space to create a functional settlement, forming government and designing culture, students will be challenged and must combine their knowledge of many complex concepts and be creative in their unique design. Working collaboratively on this project will allow students to reflect on their own strengths and areas in need of growth, while observing and celebrating strengths in fellow group members. In addition to group work enhancing learning and results, it also gives students a sense of ownership over their contribution, gaining the ability to view themselves as a valuable group member.