Visual+Ranking+Tool

Please tell everyone about any attempts that you've made to use this with students and how it turned out!

I used the Visual Ranking Tool (VRT) at the end of last year. I had my students brainstorm their favorite events/activities in 4th grade. We categorized all the events into 10 major events/activities. Then the students worked in the lab in teams of 3 and ranked the events using the VRT. The students' discussions about where to rank events/activities and how to compromise in a group of 3 was the most exciting component of the lesson as an educator. The students were having thoughtful dialogue and they had constructive insights for other groups when they compared rankings. Some groups worked on their rankings for 30 minutes. The only down side was the comment section. Groups couldn't view what others posted to them. Below is an example of one group's ranking and comment.
 * Post by Sarah Kneller**

So, looks like active learning is the favorite among students....anything requiring sitting at a desk is last. Interesting?

-BF 8/24/09