Some think that the only way to learn is by taking test and writing essays, but that is incorrect. Becoming more involved in the school work as well as having class and online discussion is definitely beneficial. Ideas are also discussed outside of the classroom. The project is shared between kids in Iowa. Both groups are learning different skills from this experience such as how to deal with real life situations and also communication. This is a once in a life time opportunity so it’s very important that it’s taken advantage of. Although test and essays are important, this project is way more influential and modern.
The concept of this project may not be properly understood by some, but it’s actually quite useful. All the VM kids and GPS kids have similarities and differences that are brought together by this project. This project can only be successful because of all of the great ideas shared by the two different groups of people. Within this project Mr. Provenzano has provided these freshmen classes with something that’s unforgettable. All of the different tools that were learned how to use is something that was very appreciated and needed. All of the technology used such as editing websites, blogging, and the different types of communication aren’t things that are going away; these type things are a necessity. The Romeo & Juliet project was fun, but it was taken seriously by everyone involved.
Responsibility was a huge part of this project. There was no time for games, everyone had to step up and do their part. The jobs that were assigned affected everyone in every class that was involved. It was actually like having a real job, but instead of money full credit was the reward. There were weekly requirements that had to be followed or else all points were not rewarded. Jobs like director, actor, and writer were the hardest jobs, yet people were very excited to get started on working. Those jobs also had a lot to do with being a good leader. A good leader had to be strict but still understanding and they had to know how to enforce the rules amongst their peers. Responsibility was important, but so was a good work ethic.
Discussion questions were assigned at the beginning of each week and are due by that Friday or the upcoming Monday. These discussion questions were like miniature essays. It had to be at least 2 body paragraphs, a thesis statement, a quote, and an introduction paragraph. These discussions were not only online, they also happened while in the classroom everyday. By taking part in this project it made the material more memorable because it wasn’t just being memorized to pass a test, the material is being put to use. At first the play was read out loud in class or at home then discussed in class the following day. Reenacting this play is like reliving history; it’s an opportunity to take part in something that may never be experienced again by a freshmen class. Although this was just a school project, the work really does pay off in the future.
The way this project is done is very unique. There’s an opportunity to share ideas and exchange thoughts with people in a whole different state. The VM kids live in a completely different environment therefore they have different ways of thinking. Things like this will most definitely come up later in life. When working in an office building it is more than likely that the company will have to exchange ideas with people from all over the country, so why not start early? This Romeo and Juliet project prepares these freshmen classes for the future. Everyone that participated in the project got a chance to choose their own job. The jobs help with responsibility and some enforce leadership skills. Everyone stepped up to make this project successful because there was no room for selfishness.
This experience is irreplaceable. The things that were learned are very helpful. The different types of communication devices are definitely going to be needed in the future no matter what job that comes up. The different level of responsibility shown throughout the project was a surprise. Every single person took their job very seriously, and had no intention of letting the rest of the group down. The discussion questions are very beneficial; they widened their knowledge every week on different topics and themes. Essays and test are useful, but this project is more permanent and modern.
