In this project, students will engage in a comprehensive exploration of local businesses, utilizing persuasive writing to advocate for their representation and significance within the community. The purpose is to facilitate critical thinking by challenging students to investigate real-world issues and devise arguments that reflect their understanding and empathy. Through direct interaction with local business owners, students will refine their communication skills, gaining insight and feedback that will enrich their presentations. Ultimately, the project prioritizes producing meaningful work that connects students with their community, enhancing their content expertise and fostering a deeper appreciation for local economic and social dynamics.
Learning goals
Students will engage with local business owners to explore the economic and social contributions of these enterprises, applying persuasive writing techniques to articulate their community impact. Through interviews and research, students will identify key factors that make businesses beneficial to their local context and craft arguments that communicate their findings. By presenting their work to a panel of these business owners, students will refine their communication skills, receiving constructive feedback and learning to incorporate diverse perspectives into their narratives.
Competencies
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.
Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.
Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.
Products
Students will create a multimedia presentation that showcases interviews they've conducted and research they've gathered about local businesses. Within this presentation, they will use persuasive writing techniques to effectively articulate the significance and impact of these businesses on their community. By inviting local business owners to participate in a panel, students will present their findings and refine their arguments based on the feedback received. This process will culminate in a final presentation where students exhibit their polished multimedia projects, incorporating revisions and reflections from their interactions with the community experts.
Launch
Begin the project with an exploratory walking tour of the community's small businesses. Invite students to observe how each business interacts with the community and gather preliminary notes and questions about what aspects they find impactful. This initial immersion will lay the groundwork for their research and argument development, sparking curiosity and personal connection to the project's theme. Upon returning to the classroom, lead a reflective discussion where students can share observations and insights, setting the stage for deeper inquiry and analysis.
Exhibition
Students will host a community showcase where they present their multimedia presentations to local stakeholders, including business owners, educators, and family members. Each presentation will include a mix of student-conducted interviews, research findings, and persuasive arguments emphasizing the community impact of local businesses. As part of the event, students will engage in Q&A sessions with the audience, allowing for dialogue and feedback. The showcase not only highlights student work but also fosters meaningful connections between students and their local community. This public demonstration serves as both a celebration of student achievement and a catalyst for deeper community engagement.
