Aim

This WebQuest is designed to meet the needs of at-risk middle school students and their parents who need encouragement for them to pursue post-secondary education. This site is designed to provide students with a better understand of how and where to find help for studying for tests, applying for financial aid for college, and applying for college admission.

Rationale

Instead of directly teaching subject matter, this site is designed for students to work individually and in groups to form decisions and opinions about their future. Some of the activities involve them putting knowledge that they already know on paper. Some activities will require that they research information about themselves and their family, and some activities require them to make decisions about their future and put them to use.

Audience

Students in middle school are of mixed race and sex, and the class make-ups are definitely a mixture of family backgrounds. By having the variety of students, the students are at an advantage to help one another make decisions. Group work and individual work will be assigned. Also, parental involvement at home is encouraged to inform the parents, as well, about college procedures.

Subject Matter

Students will find information on items such as communicating with parents and students, participation, interaction, encouragement, reinforcement, team building experiences, exposure to the outside world, and computer technology skills, all in relation to post-secondary education.

Learning Objectives

In this web, the objectives are very broad because of the type of audience that it concerns. Some students may need to concentrate on one objective more than the other. Those who master one objective may review it for enrichment.

1. Students will successfully complete standardized tests in the appropriate grade level for graduation.
a. Students will research study habits and guides that help them study.
b. Students will obtain scores and tests required for completion for their grade levels.

2. Students will use and understand computer technology.
a. Students will use the WebQuest to find links to college related material.
b. Students will use computer technology to locate a college application on-line.

3. Students will be aware of college admission and financial aid paperwork procedures.
a. Students will research college admission policies and procedures.
b. Students will research financial aid information.

Materials

This list of materials may vary by student according to level of need.

1. Computer, mouse, keyboard, printer
2. Internet access
3. Paper
4. Software (Microsoft Word)

Instructional Plan

With the Preparing Students for College WebQuest, students will work individually and in groups depending on the activities. The activities in the lesson can take as little as one week to finish, or up to six weeks, depending on the level of help that each student needs. In class time would be used to complete specifically assigned activities; however, at-home time should also be assigned for those needed extra assistance, especially in graduation test review areas.

Begin the lesson by encouraging students to express their beliefs and desires towards college, or post-secondary education. The activities are listed under the Activities section on the homepage.

Plan for Assessment and Evaluation

There are several ways to assess each student throughout the unit; however, often , it is not with a grade.
1. Students will be ranked in need according to parent’s educational background and income status, if available.
2. Students will be assessed on test scores, and if improvements need to be made, they will be assessed.
3. Students will be given a passing or failing score on the completion of a college application.
4. Students will be given a passing or failing score on the information found regarding financial aid procedures.

Created by Angela Holland-Wasdin.

Please contact aholland@waycross.edu with any questions.

Last updated March 29, 2006.

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