World History Adventure

  1. Content is organized into Worlds (Units) and Levels (objective clusters)
  2. Each Level is depicted as a mission or quest (objectives are stated at the beginning).
  3. Students assume the role of Historians and obtain levels/ranks (either titles or power-up levels Star, Fire flower, Mushroom)
  4. World Map
  5. Walkthrough – a book assignment that surveys the key points of a unit of study.
  6. Levels (see below)
  7. Summative Assessment is given at the end of each world. Students with A’s receive certificates of mastery (Master of Roman History).
  8. Level Map
  9. Notes (one or two days) – teach specifically to an objective
  10. Labs (one or two days) – reemphasize the objective in a unique way (Historical Simulation, Socratic Seminars, Philosophical Chairs, etc.)
  11. Formative Assessment(15-20 minutes) – Five (or ten) oral, short-answer questions per objective. Teachers emphasize this is to test whether or not the objective was taught effectively. The assessment is corrected by the student who took it, and answers are discussed as a class.
  12. Enrichment (two or more days, the link goes to all of my enrichment activities) - Students who have passed the level (mastered it at least 80%) will engage in activities (of their choice) for extra credit/experience points (see #5 below) until the entire class can progress together.
  13. Reteaching (two or more days)- Students who have not passed must complete book questions that target the areas of concern. They are reassessed the next school day. Students who pass now spend the remaining day with a half day enrichment activity.
  14. Repeat the assessment cycle (formative assessment – enrichment/reteaching) if needed, or…
  15. Move on - The next level is introduced only when everyone has obtained at least 80% on formative assessments for the Level.
  16. Experience and Leveling up. Each period has a scoreboard, and they compete with each other. Scores can be raised for:
  17. good behavior
  18. getting 100% on formative or summative assessments
  19. completing enrichment activities
  20. good deeds
  21. completing challenges on my website.
  22. finding history references in pop culture, etc.
  23. Special treats, popcorn and movie parties, board game parties, donut parties, pizza parties will happen at certain thresholds (The first class to 5,000 points, 10,000 points, etc.) Students should know what those thresholds are so they can push toward them.