Encourage tinkering with ideas, relationships, connections. Set up situations where students have to find information not readily available in school texts. Provide opportunity for students to design open-ended explorations of the concept. Provide multiple options so students can plan a unique "proof" of learning.
Explication.
Objective: To allow students to demonstrate their uniqueness within an established norm.
Activity: Teacher gives students assignment to explicate one of three poems. They are encouraged to use materials learned, but also to relate how the intent of the poet relates to many people and many times. (This year's selections were "Love Poem" by Nims, "Sympathy" by Dunbar, and "The Fish" by Bishop.)
