Anna Lohaus
German Instructor & Instructional Technologist at Rollins College.
Written Assignment:
This year was an election year in Germany. The students were placed into groups, and each group was assigned a political party. They were asked to find German campaign posters, give brief presentations on the history and the positions of their party to the rest of the class. On election day, we voted in class on a German ballot.
The day after the election, we compared our results with the German voting results, and looks at some statistics regarding the different voter groups in Germany.
Their assignment consisted of presenting their assigned party. They were also asked to draw a comparison between the American and the German party system. Was there an equivalent to their party in the US? If so, which party would that be? And if not, why not? Students were also asked to reflect upon the differing election topics that were discussed in Germany versus the US.
Much of the content, that ultimately ended up on the E-Portfolio was prepared in in-class and out-of-class assignments, and I prepared materials for each party, so that they could easily find the information needed, especially in regards to the political positions and topics discussed.
Below is a screenshot of the party portfolio profile. As you can see, the students are required to see a writing tutor, and must upload the corrected page to their portfolio.
Further, they are required to add images and additional text.
Note: This link will take
you to the students entire portfolio. In order to find the political
party page, please follow the instructions on the left.
I have found that students enjoy compiling these portfolios. Traditionally, this course would have consisted of many short essays. Many students struggled. Students still struggle with the writing portion of the portfolio but enjoy it more as they have a good locking final project after working through the different parts of their portfolio.
I have also found, that I must structure my class differently, to get students to successfully complete their portfolios by the end of each unit.
My lesson plan is uploaded below, if you are interested.
lesson plan -Partei Profil.docx