Seven leaps
Working with the “Seven leaps”
Working with the “seven leaps” requires 3 lessons (of about one hour each), with enough time between the second and third lesson for students to search for information independently. The planning of the project could look like this:
- lesson 1 – Introduction and seven leap step 1 till 5
- lesson 2 – Seven leap step 6, assisted
- outside classroom – Seven leap step 6, independent
- lesson 3 – Seven leap step 7 and ending
In the first lesson, after the introduction, the first five steps of the “seven leap” are carried out. Mind that the students work fast enough during the first lesson. Keep for example a very tight time schedule. Make sure that the students QUICKLY have a main question (within 5 to 10 minutes). If they don’t, help them with a tip. At least ten minutes after making up the sub questions are necessary to divide the work.
Finding information independently is step 6. It is highly recommended to spend the second lesson at computers. During this lesson, students will start looking for information, sometimes requiring your help. After this lesson students can, for example for one hour, independently search for information. In the final lesson, step 7 is carried out: the mutual reporting. After this you can end the module in different ways. For example teachers came up with the following ideas:
- Each student has to write a report of max. 200 words about his/her sub question and answer. Oblige each student to give a reference with each statement. Bind the reports and let students study them for a test. Make your own assessment of the different reports and only ask questions about the best that have the best theoretical basis.
- Give each group time to make a poster/presentation. Evaluate these and take in account that some students have not contributed (much).
- Or, when you have more experience with this form of education: give one grade to the entire group.
It is recommended to end each module with an evaluation not only about the contents but also about the experience with this way of learning.
The following schedule of the ‘Seven leaps‘ is printed in the students guide as well. Concrete activities, which can be ticked off are chosen for the Junior High School lessones