Korean Job Discussion Forums

[bourquetheman]

Last year at the high school that I'm at, I decided that for their final exam that they would (in groups of 6) do a 5 minute movie preview. I gave them the option of using a real movie or a fake movie. I said each person had to have some sort of speaking role as this was their oral exam basically.
Anyway the students did a great job and many said that while it was challenging it was fun and they thanked me for such an enjoyable final exam. THIS year however students have complained that it's "too hard" and that they don't know how to edit, etc. I mentioned how last years students managed to do it with LESS time than I'm giving them. Heck some of their parents actually called the school complaining how difficult the assignment is. My co-teachers backed me up and apologized to the homeroom teachers (who were also a little pissed because the students asked to use some class time for filming, etc.) and explained to the vice-principal that it was well received last year.
In hindsight I guess I should have taught them how to use Windows movie maker, and editing etc. but I didn't last year and it turned out fine. Oh well, that's how the cookie crumbles I guess....

[Ya-ta Boy]

Every group has its own personality (that varies day to day). Part of what makes it happen is that Group B follows Group A with the same teacher...and gets compared to them. BIG mistake by the teacher. Kids resent being told that they are not doing as well as the group/kid before them. A few strategically placed white lies early in the school year (about how much better this group is doing with a lesson) goes a long way in reducing the competitive spirit.