WORKPLACE CO-OPERATIVE PROJECT REPORT :: Education

WORKPLACE CO-OPERATIVE PROJECT REPORT As part of the Workplace Co-operative Project (WPCP) I was expected to participate in sixty hours worth of classroom experience and this report provides a summary of this time. Throughout the duration of the WPCP I kept a journal of my feelings and thoughts, which I make reference to in highlighting what I feel to be the key aspects of my placement in the commentary. Firstly I provide a concise report of my participation in the Workplace Co-operative Project, stating the aims, approaches, methods and outcomes of my placement. AIMS The aim of my placement was to introduce the Geography Department at Lawnswood High School to the Internet as a geographical resource, specifically to:  · Locate and review topic based sites for classroom use  · Create specific Internet based exercises  · Display the benefits of the internet as a geographical resource for both pupils and staff APPROACH The approach was deductive in nature, assuming that the Internet is indeed a valuable geographical resource and that achieving the aims specified above would prove this. My approach was also pragmatic consisting of a basic process of trial and error in investigating websites that could potentially be used as part of learning and teaching geography. Due to the nature of the WPCP the approach was interactive, meaning that I tackled the challenge of the aforementioned aims by having continuous interaction with pupils and staff. METHOD I identified a series of useful topic based websites, which I explored with different age groups in order to collect data on different topics for classroom projects. In addition I collated and reviewed a selection of sites that can be used in teaching and learning each and every one of the twenty four units that make up the Key Stage 3 syllabus In respect to the second aim I created a number of worksheets that asked pupils to explore the website of the Meteorological office. These can be seen in the appendix of the pack of materials. The bulk of the method was to produce this pack that also displays the benefits and methods of Internet use for younger students, older students and staff, as well as covering elements of each aim. OUTCOMES The main outcome of my placement was the creation of a pack that allows staff and students alike to make better use of the Internet. It introduces them to the idea of the Internet as a geographical resource and demonstrates how easily it can be incorporated into classroom teaching and how essential it can be to various elements of the education/learning system. In producing this pack and the work carried out at the school I feel I have successfully achieved the aims that were established at the