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Contextual Learning Portal Lift Every Voice
Basics- Project TitleLift Every Voice
- ThemeIdentity Empowerment through digital storytelling
- Submitted BySharif Muhammad and Amy Alvarez
- OrganizationBoston Day and Evening Academy
- Brief DescriptionIn this course, we will explore identity through writing in various genres: poetry, personal narrative, informational texts, and argumentative. Through film, word processing, photo editing, presentation, and other technology tools, we will enhance our writing and bring our stories, experiences and identities to life.
- Materials / ResourcesAccess to laptops and the internet, video cameras and microphones, LCD. Also, video (Adobe Premiere Elements) and image editing software (Adobe Photoshop Elements).
- Team membersSharif Muhammad and Amy Alvarez
- Pre-requisite knowledgeBefore entering this course, students must complete (or assess out of) Introduction to Literature, a base line reading and writing comprehension course that is equivalent to 9th grade English.
- Technical support neededBecause the Technology instructor is part of the project, he takes care of technical difficulties that arise (with video equipment, computer hardware and software).
- Any modifications or extensions for particular student populations?Graphic organizers are used regularly for students who struggle with executive functioning.
Key Questions- Key QuestionsEssential Question: How can we be empowered to defy stereotypes and define our own identities?
- Connections: How or why was this topic identified? Why is it meaningful?In this course, we explored the effectiveness of a video documentary project as a vehicle for reengaging at-risk students, allowing them them explore their own identities and encouraging them with the belief that they can create social change. We use multimedia as a means of practicing presentation skills and building professional confidence and competence.
- Background Research: What resources were used to find background information for this project?We conducted extensive research around student-centered video creation to engage and empower at-risk youth. Here are a few highlights from the literature review around this issue:
There was a lack of data on the impact of youth media on the students themselves (p. 20).
Steven Goodman’s case study (2010) described students, who were reluctant writers, as highly engaged in documentary writing. (p. 49)
One study found that translating difficult emotional experiences into oral/written language changed peoples’ thinking around the experience and helps them cope with life issues more effectively (as cited in Campbell, Hoey and Perlman, 2001).
(full citations in the attached document) -
View/Download File: Student-Centered Video Documentary to Engage and Empower At-Risk Youth - Outcomes: What was the outcome? How was it shared or applied in the community?Our products, skills, and benchmarks for both Humanities and Technology (aligned with the common core) were outlined in the course syllabus (see attachment).
In addition to their written pieces in various genres, students created five documentaries around social issues that were important to them. The video covered topics such as bullying, stereotypes, self harm, peace and social justice, and "watch the company you keep". -
   
Web Link: Syllabus - Lift Every Voice - Family: Any opportunities to involve parent/guardians and other family members in this project?Students‘ families were invited to view and respond to the films and writing students created during our school‘s annual Symposium night.
Units / Activities
Tags = video-production | writing | literacy | technology | creativity/innovation | interdiciplinary | identity | Subject = ELA, Technology | Grade Level = HS | Time Period = School Year | Program/Funding = | 189 |
Direct website link to this project: http://ContextualLearningPortal.org/contextual.asp?projectnumber=503.5032
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