teacher: what's a webquest?

What Is a WebQuest?

A WebQuest is an inquiry-based activity in which most of the information that students use to complete a task comes from resources on the Internet. Students analyze information, transform it in some way, and then demonstrate knowledge of the material by creating something to which others can respond.

What Will Students Learn Through the WebQuest?

The goal of this WebQuest is to answer one big question: What should be done about child soldiers? While students grapple with this question, they will be asked to make the connection between their own lives and the lives of child soldiers. In addition, they will approach this issue from different perspectives within a given society and to make recommendations on what should be done to resolve it.

In essence, this WebQuest is a consensus-building task. Students will be exposed to different points of view and will be given practice in communicating their position to others in a simulated governmental forum. Once the different policy recommendations have been presented, students will be asked to write about the recommendation(s) they feel are most appropriate.

The educational objectives of this WebQuest include the acquisition of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and a consideration of the actions that ordinary people can take to help resolve this issue.

Will Students Work As a Whole Class, In Small Groups, Or Individually?

Actually, students will do all three, if you like. The assignments in this WebQuest can be customized to your class size and teaching style. You may find it helpful to know:

Step # 1 can be done by either individuals or small groups.
Steps #2 &# 3 can be done in pairs
Steps #4 & #5 work best if students work in groups
Step #6 involves the whole class

How students complete the activities in Step #7 is completely up to you.

How Are Students Supported Throughout the WebQuest?

The WebQuest has clear, step-by-step directions, and direct links to the online resources needed to complete each activity. In addition, students are prompted with questions along the way and can keep track of their responses on printable forms that can be used to help them prepare their presentations.

It is also recommended that you share the rubrics you'll be using to score students' presentations with them in advance. This way students can use the rubrics to inform their presentations and written work.

What Is the Definition of a Child Soldier?

According to the Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers,

"A child soldier is any person under 18 years of age who is a member of or attached to the armed forces or an armed group, whether or not there is an armed conflict. Child soldiers may perform tasks ranging from direct participation in combat; military activities such as scouting, spying, sabotage, acting as decoys, couriers or guards; training, drill and other preparations; support functions such as portering and domestic tasks; sexual slavery and forced labour." (Child Soldiers Global Report 2004, p.15 )

Do Students Have to Complete the Whole WebQuest?

Feel free to tailor this WebQuest to the interests—and age—of your students, and available time. It's important to note that each of the steps of the WebQuest work sequentially, and that most steps have one or more related activities. However, students don’t need to do all of the steps or activities in order to have rich learning experience.

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