“What I hear, I forget; what I see, I remember; what I do, I understand” – Confucius
The introduction of CCE has generated a lot of focus on marks, grades and records. However, an important aspect of it is also comprehensive and integrated learning. Project work is an important tool for Formative Assessment. In this edition of the newsletter we explore integrated project work as a tool for learning.
CONTENTS
THE PROJECT
CCE encourages the use of projects and the rationale behind project work is to extend and integrate learning. Through CCE the CBSE Board is aiming at reducing the burden of rote learning and pressure of work. In this context the concept of group project work or an integrated project approach helps teachers not only facilitate learning but also hone social and communication skills.
TEAM WORK 
Every individual may be assigned a task to contribute and marks or grades can be given by a subject teacher or a group of subject teachers. The identification of a project and tasks of each individual must be clearly defined. A brain storming as shown in the sample project framework will set out guidelines for both students and teachers.
By preferring group or integrated project work the individual is saved the burden of working on different projects for different subjects.
In a Group Project, every student is assigned a task and is a very important cog in the wheel to help complete a project successfully. The student is recognized as an important member and is entrusted with an assignment. The student can also have a preference or choice of role. This shores up confidence and also helps with team building and hones values such as loyalty.
The Integrated Project Approach takes the concept a step further. All aspects of a topic are brainstormed. The class looks at a topic in a holistic way enabling cross curriculum connectivity. However not all topics lend themselves to all subjects.
SAMPLE PROJECT – WHALES
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Science
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Social Studies
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Maths
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Language
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Art
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Music
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Miscellaneous
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GATHERING INFORMATION AND WORKING TOGETHER
Students can be given a couple of days to do reference before they brain storm. All the material they collect can then be categorized as shown. The teacher can also make a comprehensive list of study/reference tools that students can get their material from –
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Internet
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Encyclopedia
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Reference books
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Interviewing experts/professors in colleges or other experts
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Magazines
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Archives of TV programmes
Students can choose or be assigned roles on subtopics. The class then gets into sub groups and each group chalks out an action plan with well defined roles, time lines and reporting systems. The project when done in a group or with an integrated approach in mind helps students to see things holistically and in its complete sense as it exists. The underlying principal behind CCE, to uncover hidden talent among students and to provide for fun filled learning, is also realized. After all the role of a teacher is not merely to teach or instruct but to facilitate learning and to show students how to acquire knowledge.
EVALUATION
Students can be marked on the following parameters –
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Task undertaken – role in the group
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Execution of task
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Research and homework done
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Creativity
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Presentation
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Participation in the team
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Is he/she a team player?
ABOUT FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT (FA)
The project is one of the tools that can be used for FA. Other enablers are –
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Classwork
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Homework
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Oral Questions
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Assignments
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Quizzes
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Seminars/Symposiums
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Tests
We will deal with FA in the next newsletter.
CCE therefore makes for a change that will enable students to take pride in their achievements in different spheres, and not merely concentrating on just academics through rote learning.
QUESTIONS AND SUGGESTIONS
Please email us your questions about CCE, any suggestions for future topics and any feedback about this newsletter to cce4u@ratnasagar.com
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