Contextual Learning Portal (archive)

Appendix 2: The Contextual Learning Project Template

This template is used in the Contextual Learning Portal in the “Submit Project” section.
Website: http://resources21.org/cl  

Contextual Learning Project Template
1 – BASICS Use this section of the template to identify basic information about the project. Include any information that will be helpful to others who want to implement this project or a similar project, including resources and team members needed and modifications or extensions made to the project. You may alter the headings if you wish.
Project Title
Theme
Submitted By
Organization
Brief Description
Materials / Resources
Team members
Pre-requisite knowledge
Technical support needed
Any modifications or extensions for particular student populations?
What subject areas does this project focus on (check all that apply)?	[ ] ELA [ ] Mathematics [ ] Science [ ] History [ ] World Languages [ ] Arts [ ] Technology [ ] Physical Education [ ] Career/Vocational/Technical [ ] Service Learning [ ] Other
If funded by an ESE Grant (such as Academic Support or 21st Century Community Learning Centers): What Fund Code?
What Time Period?	[ ] Summer [ ] School Year
What Grade Level(s)?
2 - KEY QUESTIONS Contextual Learning projects are based on authentic KEY QUESTIONS that are meaningful to students and that mirror questions addressed by adults in the workplace or community. Use this section of the template to identify the key question that the project will address and describe the context of the project.
Key Questions
Connections: How or why was this topic identified? Why is it meaningful?
Background Research: What resources were used to find background information for this project?
Outcomes: What was the outcome? How was it shared or applied in the community?
Family: Any opportunities to involve parent/guardians and other family members in this project?
3 - UNITS / ACTIVITIES Use this section of the template to describe the sequence of units or activities in this project. Use the first column to identify the unit (i.e., "Day 1" or "Unit 1") along with the time required. Use the second column to describe the activities. Use the third column for additional comments, including needed resources, ideas for modifications/extensions, or other comments.
Name of Unit With Time Required	Activities / Description Details:	Materials/Resources Modifications, Extensions
4 - INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES Use this section of the template to identify instructional techniques and strategies
Techniques / Strategies	Description
4 - ASSESSMENT TECHNIQUES Use this section of the template to identify assessment strategies.
Techniques / Strategies	Description
6 - FRAMEWORKS / SKILLS Use this section of the template to identify the curriculum frameworks and skills that the project will address. You may mix-and-match among the different sets of project frameworks, including the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks, 21st Century Skills, and Work-Based Learning Skills. See the Browse Frameworks page for more information and examples.
[See website for checklist of frameworks and skills]
7 - ACTIVITY SHEETS Use the Activity Sheets section to share worksheets and materials.
Publish and Tag [See website for instructions for publishing and tagging the project.]

 

How Can I Use the Contextual Learning Portal?

• The project template can help you organize your ideas and “go deeper” in creating high quality learning experiences.

• Use the sign-up screen to sign up for a username. A password will be emailed to you instantly. Once you have signed in, you can go to the project template to share information about your project. Any teacher, counselor or youth program staff is welcome to sign up for a username.

• You are welcome to share projects that are in the planning stage as well as projects that you have completed. Once you have started entering project information, you can save your information and come back to it another day. The portal is set up so that you are always able to add information, photos or resources to your project, such as when you share your initial project plan and come back to add photos of student work later.

• When you are ready to share your work, go to the “Ready to Publish” tab to designate your project as ready to publish. Within 24 hours, your project will be available for others to browse.