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11th Grade  Project 12 weeks

"Speak Up, Change the World!"

Yiru W
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.1
Self Directed Learning
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Content Expertise
Collaboration
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Purpose

This project empowers Grade 11 English students to actively engage with pressing social issues by harnessing the power of language to research, analyze, and advocate for change. Through collaborative, real-world experiences, students will create impactful public-facing media projects that highlight their critical thinking and communication skills. By connecting their learning to civic engagement, students will develop a deeper understanding of how language can influence society and drive meaningful action.

Learning goals

Students will utilize English to engage in critical thinking and communicate effectively within real-world contexts. They will research and synthesize information from diverse perspectives, enhancing their global and cultural awareness. Through collaboration and peer feedback, students will refine their teamwork and communication skills. They will reflect and iterate to understand the connection between language, identity, society, and action.
Standards
  • [Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.1 - Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.
  • Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.
  • Collaboration - Students co-design projects with peers, exercise shared-decision making, strengthen relational agency, resolve conflict, and assume leadership roles.

Products

Throughout the project, students will collaboratively create a series of English-based multimodal products, including podcasts, short films, or campaign speeches, each designed to address and advocate for their chosen social issues. These products will be developed iteratively, with students engaging in peer and mentor feedback to refine their work. By the end of the project, students will present their final products at the "Voices of Change Showcase," where they will share their insights and learning journey with an authentic audience, fostering dialogue and reflection on the issues they explored.

Launch

To kick off the project, students will participate in a "Social Issues Media Day," where they will analyze various media forms addressing social issues, such as documentaries, podcasts, and campaign speeches. They will engage in group discussions to identify effective communication techniques and the impact of language on public perception. Following this, students will conduct interviews with peers or community members to gather diverse perspectives on their chosen issues, fostering an inquiry mindset and building foundational research skills.

Exhibition

The project will culminate in a "Voices of Change Showcase," where students present their multimodal projects to families, teachers, community partners, and peers. This event will feature presentations, screenings, or live performances, allowing students to share their insights and advocacy efforts. Attendees will engage in dialogue and reflection, fostering a community-wide conversation on the social issues explored. The showcase celebrates both the students' creative expressions and their commitment to using English as a tool for meaningful change.