Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1060790
Tricia Hyun, et al. English teachers find gamification a winner Fullerton Elementary Teachers Asso ciation BY SHERRY POSNICK-GOODWIN PHOTOS BY SCOTT BUSCHMAN E V E RY S T U D E N T ' S I N P U T A N D VO I C E M AT T E R S, A N D S T U D E N T S U N D E R S TA N D T H AT T H E R E C A N B E M O R E T H A N O N E WAY TO S O LV E A P R O B L E M ." t's high excitement. It's mildly con- trolled chaos. It's problem-solving, teamwork and critical thinking all rolled into one, happening at a very loud level. Needless to say, students are having a blast. Welcome to Parks Junior High School in Fullerton, where teams of students in the media center race against the clock — and each other — to win the ultimate contest. But first, they have to figure out clues and solve puzzles and rely on the individual strengths of their teammates. "We are having a Celebrate Success party to reward good behavior," says English teacher Tricia Hyun, as she watches the spectacle unfold with a huge smile, dashing from table to table. The clues, of course, revolve around English Language Arts (ELA), with students needing to identify various elements such as plot; opening and exposition; conflict; and the climax of a story. The number of clues in each category becomes the combination to a locked box. Inside the box is a water bottle with a secret compartment that holds a key to unlock another box. And so it goes. Eventually students will unlock a box that contains candy and cheer even louder. The gamification of ELA happens in i a unique program called Passion Required iPersonalize Secret Missions (PRiSM), which received a 2017-18 grant from CTA's Institute for Teaching. Events such as these happen monthly. Hyun, the lead grant writer, collab- orated with fellow ELA teachers and Fullerton Elementary Teachers Associ- ation members Paul Clemente, also at Parks; Mary Smith, Fisler Elementary; and Carlos Donnelly, Ladera Vista Junior High, to create PRiSM. There was strong support from Fullerton Elementary School District administrators for this teacher-driven program that enhances learning and fosters a culture of suc- cess. Parents help as volunteers. The boxes were purchased from Breakout EDU, an "immersive learn- ing games platform." FETA members also partnered with thrively.com, a company that helps students discover and explore their individual talents, strengths, interests and aspira- tions. Thrively coaches worked with teachers and leadership teams of students. Students were divided into teams based on a "strengths assessment." The reasoning is that every student can contribute, based on their capacity for such things 22 cta.org A group of Hyun's students work together to figure out how to unlock the final box. the Innovation issue the Innovation issue I T I N O I N N E O S S V U A Innovation Issue 2018 I I 2018 Innovation issue the 2018