I want a pet, WebQuest

The teacher's page:

This WebQuest leads students to make informed choices based on research. It focuses on pet care and factors involved in choosing an appropriate pet in certain circumstances. 

• The WebQuest assumes certain basic Internet navigation skills.

• The final presentation is left to the students. It may include drawings, writing paragraphs, PowerPoint presentations, role-play, sketches, etc. 

• The teacher may choose to use the WebQuest as is or modify it. 

• The WebQuest takes a global approach, providing opportunities to develop the three competencies; interacting orally in preparing and probably presenting, re-investing their readings and discussions as well as writing as they prepare their presentations. Without being explicit, cross-curricular competencies and a field of life experience are essential elements in the development of the WebQuest.

To engage the student teacher may begin the WebQuest by asking: (activating prior knowledge)

who has a pet? 

what is it? 

how do you care for your pet?

who would like to have a pet or another pet but can't for certain reasons?

what are some reasons that pets or certain pets are not appropriate? 

do you know why pets end up in the SPCA?

do you think it is important to choose an appropriate pet?

would you like to learn more about choosing and caring for pets?

Have the students skim through the WebQuest.

Verify that they understand the task and steps. (Ask students to explain what they understood.)

Point out the learning resources and suggest they explore the possibilities.

It may be appropriate to discuss how to fill out a chart. (modeling)

While cooperation is inherent to the task, roles were not assigned. The teacher may choose roles such as writer, investigator, computer expert, ... or permit students to form groups while stressing the diversity of abilities and expertise the task requires. Explain that the students should take into consideration this diversity in forming their group. Explain that they are therefore responsible for dividing and sharing the work in order to elaborate a complete presentation.

In the spirit of scaffolding throughout the WebQuest, the teacher uses questioning to elicit possibilities, to provide support and guidance. As well, the teacher suggests appropriate strategies.

After the presentations, the teacher leads the students to reflect on the process and their learning.

Possible difficulties: understanding instructions, texts, navigating, putting together their information, working together, etc.

Possible solutions: ask other students to share their successful strategies.

Encourage the students to fix subsequent learning goals.

I want a pet, WebQuest for primary ESL by Ron Mastine, C.s. des Sommets