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Incorporating
traditional and performance based teaching and curricula strategies
that merge with a foundation of strong basic knowledge and skills
requiring a real world application, Senior Project is a challenging
student driven, teacher-guided culminating program.
Senior Project High Schools require seniors competently to complete
each of the following related 4 P’s:
4
P's - Paper, Product, Portfolio, Presentation
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Research
Paper
Seniors select an approved topic and write a research paper; successful
completion is required for graduation. During this phase, the
skills applied include things such as knowledge
acquisition, information literacy, validation, credibility and
variety of sources, sorting, and selecting appropriate information,
writing skills, research skills. Because students
choose their own topics, Senior Project papers are as diverse
as the students’ interests (e.g., censorship in public education,
effective online marketing strategies, robotic prosthetics, effective
solutions related to the homeless).
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Project
During the
project phase, students apply the knowledge gained during their
research by defining, designing, and producing a related project
(e.g., the student studying aspects of marine pollution does an
independent research project related to the impact of plastic
pollution on local coastal waters). Because the projects
must reflect a learning stretch, this phase of
the Senior Project process offers students a unique blend of real-world
experiences combined with the knowledge and skills learned in
school. The project phase’s ‘learning stretch’
requires a golden ratio of challenge
and ability, hands-on learning in a real-world context.
Though success is probable, it cannot be guaranteed. Student
application of skills, the quest for quality, and the ability
to apply and use appropriate information, as well as the demonstration
of time management, problem solving, effective communication,
and perseverance are key characteristics impacting the senior’s
success.
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