Collaborative learning is important for building a deeper understanding of ourselves and of the course readings. And, being good collaborators help us to resolve conflict and understand each other better.

In our composition classrooms, writers also often work together when researching, writing, and revising. So, while students most frequently comment that they do not like group projects, the fact is that it takes practice to be a good group contributor. And, the only way to practice is to participate in opportunities for group collaboration. The good news is that we have plenty of online resources and tools to help us become better collaborators, including Google Docs, Google Forms, Google Slides, Pinterest, Twitter.

_________

Introduction to the Collaborative Project. For this assignment, then, you will create a photo essay with peers from your class based on our common read, This I Believe.

What is a photo essay? No single, comprehensive definition of a photo essay exists, but in broad terms, a photo essay is a series of photographs collected and organized intentionally to communicate an idea, argument, or story. The photos may accompany a traditional, written essay, or they may be the essay.

Why create a photo essay? If you think about the adage, “a picture is worth a thousand words,” you’ll probably agree that some ideas simply cannot be fully expressed through written or even spoken words, alone. A photo essay—this photo essay—allows you to communicate urgency, relevancy, and other –cy’s more efficiently and effectively than with words, alone.

What are the requirements, then, for this photo essay project? For this assignment, you'll need to

First, work together in small groups to identify a common or unifying theme.

Then, each member of the group will interview someone whose experience relates to that theme and write a This I Believe essay (around 500 words) based on that interview. You will need to collaborate with your interview subject to make sure that the essay is a clear and accurate representation of his/her account and viewpoint.

Finally, the group will collect the essays (including both an introduction and conclusion) in a single document that begins with a written introduction (around 200 words) that is written together, introduces the significance of the document or theme, and includes outside research. Look at the introduction to This I Believe as an example.

About the project. When writing your collaborative project, thoughtfully consider how you will organize your photo essay: how you will introduce the issue, how to develop the story and relevance of your issue, and how to achieve an effect on your audience.

Each essay should include a photograph of your interview subject in the document. (While you don’t need to have or use any fancy photography equipment and the camera on your phone will suffice, the image should be clear and in focus.) And, at the end of each essay, include a brief biographical sketch about the subject. Look at the end of each essay as examples.

Consider how to create a uniform final product using Google Docs, Google Slides, PowerPoint, or Word for your final submission. Each member should work together to revise for clarity to form one, comprehensive essay that comments on the unifying theme you are exploring.

The final product, then, should look like,

A written introduction (~200 words) the group writes together regarding that issue/theme.
Group member 1's photo, essay (~500 words), brief biographical sketch
Group member 2's photo, essay (~500 words), brief biographical sketch
Group member 3's photo, essay (~500 words), brief biographical sketch
A written conclusion (~200 words) the group writes together to summarize the issue/theme.

Want to see a model? Click here for a Model Project using the above guidelines.

When is the project due? The Collaborative Project is due in 5 weeks on Monday, November 30th by 11:59 P.M.

How is the project going to be graded? The collaborative project will be evaluated based on the following criteria: Collaborative Project Rubric.

How do I communicate with my group members? It is required that you communicate with your group members in such a way that I can check on your group's progress. Therefore, I have created a Canvas page for each group to participate in. Click on your group/name below, and you will be directed to your group's private Canvas page. This is also to check the status of each individual student should I need to (for ex, if multiple students are complaining that Student A is not doing her part on the project, I can check that group's Canvas page and see for myself that this is true and approach that issue with said student). Can you communicate outside of your group's Canvas page? Of course! However, I will not be able to view that communication and therefore, there won't be documentation of said communication should the need arise. Use your group's Canvas page. It's helpful once you get the hang of it!

__________________

Group Assignments:

Group 1: Kendal, Amanda, Dante, Haven
Group 2: Jessica K., Jordee, Lexi, Riley
Group 3: Alex A., Kyle, Alison, Taylor
Group 4: Claira, Jordan, Mycyl, Kandi
Group 5: Jennifer, Karen, Allyson, Clarise
Group 6: Makenzie, Mona, Jessica M.

__________________

rowing team

Photo by Josh Calabrese on Unsplash.

_________

For this lesson, then, we will:

Read/Reflect
- Read from The Hub:
  - "ENGL 1301: Collaborative Project, This I Believe Photo Essay" (pg xxvii).
  - College Knowledge (pg 435).
- Read from This I Believe:
  - Vol 2: "The Learning Curve of Gratitude" (pg 44), "Creating Our Own Happiness" (pg 62), "A Way to Honor Life" (pg 65), "All the Joy the World Contains" (pg 91), and "Combatting the Tyranny of the Positive Attitude" (pg 106).
  - Focus: Gratitude, Grief, Grace, and Redemption
- Read Lesson 10: About Working in Teams.
Connect/Collaborate
- Complete Lesson 10: Reading Quiz (College Knowledge, The Hub).
Experiment/Apply
- Complete Lesson 10: Collaborative Project Worksheet.