Introduction
WebQuest can be very beneficial and helpful to students learning a new topic or even reviewing an old one. The purpose of a webquest is to let students collectively research, find, and create an activity by themselves all while learning. It also shows the teacher what the students learned by evaluating their work. All this can be done in one place making webquest one of the best tools for a lesson plan. It is based on a 6 step process starting with the introduction. The introduction will need to be interesting and catch the student's attention to draw them toward the activity. It also needs to state what the concept of the activity will be to give them an idea of what they are either going to learn or review.
Task
The task section will explain the end learning concept and end product of the activity. The most common of the end products are oral and visual presentations but it could also be a written report or powerpoint presentation.
Process
The process explains what needs to be done to accomplish the "task" which was the previous section. It is very clear and detail oriented in what you need the student to do. A step by step or bullet point style is the best way to ensure that students understand the lesson and meet all criteria of the activity. In this section you can also suggest learning advice or interpersonal advice. It can include strategies for dividing the task into subtasks, descriptions of roles to be played or perspectives to be taken by each learner. Show the students what you would do with the activity or a wayt that you would accomplish the task.
Evaluation
This portion is just as it states it is an evaluation of the students' work. You need to be able to measure the results and the best way to accomplish this is by using a rubric.
This is an example of a rubric for an oral presentation in a history class:
|
CATEGORY |
4 |
3 |
2 |
1 |
|
Comprehension |
Student is able to accurately answer almost all questions posed by classmates about the topic. |
Student is able to accurately answer most questions posed by classmates about the topic. |
Student is able to accurately answer a few questions posed by classmates about the topic. |
Student is unable to accurately answer questions posed by classmates about the topic. |
|
Posture and Eye Contact |
Stands up straight, looks relaxed and confident. Establishes eye contact with everyone in the room during the presentation. |
Stands up straight and establishes eye contact with everyone in the room during the presentation. |
Sometimes stands up straight and establishes eye contact. |
Slouches and/or does not look at people during the presentation. |
|
Preparedness |
Student is completely prepared and has obviously rehearsed. |
Student seems pretty prepared but might have needed a couple more rehearsals. |
The student is somewhat prepared, but it is clear that rehearsal was lacking. |
Student does not seem at all prepared to present. |
|
Time-Limit |
Presentation is 5-6 minutes long. |
Presentation is 4 minutes long. |
Presentation is 3 minutes long. |
Presentation is less than 3 minutes OR more than 6 minutes. |
|
Collaboration with Peers |
Almost always listens to, shares with, and supports the efforts of others in the group. Tries to keep people working well together. |
Usually listens to, shares with, and supports the efforts of others in the group. Does not cause \"waves\" in the group. |
Often listens to, shares with, and supports the efforts of others in the group but sometimes is not a good team member. |
Rarely listens to, shares with, and supports the efforts of others in the group. Often is not a good team member. |
Conclusion
In the conclusion you wrap up what took place in the assignment and what they students should have learned. It is also good to leave futher research on the topic and maybe even iteresting facts that you don't think the students found. Webquests provide great opportunities for cooperative and collaborative work among peers.It requires them to use thier critical thinking skills and to be creative. It also holds the students' attention because the instructions and research can be done online and students love the use of technology in lessons. The most important part is it alows you to do an authentic assessment to make sure that the students really do understand the information that is being presented to them.
Credits
In the credits section you can give them the specific links or resources that you want them to use or give them suggestions on where they should start their research.