At a Glance
The Graphics and Electronics Media instructor at Indiana County Technology Center (ICTC) provides students with a visual display of how their assignments align to specific competencies and a timeline of when specific tasks will be completed throughout the year.
Overview
ICTC Graphics and Electronics Media instructor, Jon Krecota, uses a highly organized and visual system to help students understand how the tasks and assignments they work on relate to broader competencies and the program of study (POS). He breaks down the POS by program year and by grading quarter so that students can understand the big picture of where they are headed. In the front of the classroom, Mr.Krecota displays color-coded task lists organized by level and grading quarter for students to reference. On a separate board, he posts assignments which are color coded to match the task list. Furthermore, he organizes any related paperwork for each lesson, such as anticipation guides, in color-coded folders.
Origin / Implementation
Mr. Krecota realized that students often failed to make the connection between the tasks they completed and the broader program competencies. During the 2013-2014 school year, he addressed this disconnect by implementing a new, visual way of communicating task relevancy to students. As they work on assignments, students can quickly reference the large, poster-sized visuals on constant display. Mr. Krecota believes this organization system helps students connect their daily tasks to the broader competencies they work towards mastering.
Results / Impact
Since posting the visual displays, Mr.Krecota has noticed that students seem to take greater initiative in their assignments and are more accountable for the work they do. Students seem more engaged and participate more. They understand that the competencies are more than a score on a test. NOCTI scores also have improved.
Contact
Indiana County Technology Center
Michael J. McDermott, Principal
mmcdermott@ictc.edu