Big Tasks
What is a big task? Big tasks are based on the New Basics Project in Queensland Australia – Rich Tasks.The big task aims are:
- To engage pupils with the knowledge, skills and dialogue required for ‘new times.’
- Making strong links between cross curricular/ inter-disciplinary working, theories about learning, assessment and basing them on the principles for curriculum design.
- Improving student outcomes through increasing the intellectual rigour of their work.
- Each task should have an element of presentation within it so enable the pupils to have a sense of purpose and an awareness of audience.
Big Tasks In Stirling Council Stirling Council’s Curriculum for Excellence Team has been supporting Schools with the implementation of ‘big tasks’. These big tasks are focused across 2 to 3 subject areas and are designed to allow for in depth learning of a concept or skill. The projects are grounded in reality, providing rich opportunities for pupils to develop skills for life long learning. Each task involves presenting their learning to an audience, after which, they refine their presentation based on feedback given. The principles of Assessment is for Learning, collaborative learning and designing rich learning experiences which motivate, challenge and engage the learner both as an individual and as a member of a team are at the heart of each project.Contexts for LearningTo date some of the completed projects are:Stirling – A travel guide to the local area: Allan’s Primary. Showcase on the Open Top Tour Bus (Stirling)Whirlin’ through Stirlin’ – A tourist film about Stirling: St Margaret’s, Cowie. Showcase at The Macrobert.Titanic – Interdisciplinary project with 8 schools in the Wallace Cluster. Showcase to parents, visitors from other schools then at The Smith Art Gallery. The Fish in Room 11 – Literacy study: At St. Mary’s Bannockburn. Showcase in the classroom – learning festival/open day.Our bodies – Health for the future: Workshops for younger children: Balfron Primary. Showcase in the classroom. Local Artists – Auction of arts and crafts: Balfron Primary. Showcase in school.* There are still other projects on going this session, not yet completed. Planning and implementation: When considering the planning of these projects there are key elements that must be taken into consideration:
- The activities/learning experiences must be engaging, challenging and motivating. When planning this is best done with a partner or in a group.
- Our expectations of each child must be high. We should challenge each child to raise their own standards and set new and higher goals.
- An outcome of a presentation is a key aspect of this. Working towards a final, common goal/purpose. When presenting their learning, pupils should aim to ensure that their presentation is creative, entertaining and meets the requirements of the task.
- Learning is a social activity. Pupils need to work together with different groups of people throughout the year, taking time to build up the skills needed to work with others. Social construction leads to more long time effects.
