Practice
- Allow students to present their four-minute prepared testimony before other members of the class.
- Those not testifying should formulate follow-up questions.
- Those questions can be collected by the teacher, compiled, and used for a final test on the project.
When Choosing a Topic
- Make sure you can find research on the topic.
- Choose a topic that can bring results.
- Preview necessary vocabulary before beginning the portfolio process.
Keeping Organized
- Create folders or binders that don't leave the room.
- Communicate who is doing what so that there isn't duplication of sources and resources.
- Keep track of resources you use.
- Create and adhere to timelines.
Who Does What
- Do a skills inventory of your students before making group assignments.
- Divide the class into four groups. Have group three shadow group one, and group four shadow group two during the first part of the process. Switch roles during the second part. -OR-
- Divide class into two groups, allowing one group to work on part one and the other to work on part two. When the first two parts of the portfolio are finished, allow group one to work on part three and group two to work on part four of the portfolio. This keeps the students engaged throughout the process. -OR-
- Keep the students together throughout the process to ensure flow and accuracy.
Additional Information
- Practice interviewing before students go out and interview community members.
- Turn students' questions back to them and let them explore the answers.
- Hold practice hearings (record them if possible, and let students critique themselves).
- Assign some of the research for homework to expedite the process.
- Involve other teachers in your building to help with the project.
- Duplicate the documentation portion of the portfolio so you have it when preparing for the hearing.
- Discuss liability issues with your school administrator (if applicable).
- Use the media to your advantage. (They love this stuff!)
Remember
Your policy doesn’t need to be implemented to be a success. The real success lies in the process of researching, collaborating, and creating a solution. Celebrate your students’ efforts, growth, and civic engagement along the way. Even small steps toward understanding public policy can make a lasting impact.