Senior Project
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Sr. Proj. (Senior Project) is an educational program designed to challenge high school seniors in the United States. It was conceived in Medford, Oregon, in 1985 and has since spread across the country.
Although largely successful, the program has drawn criticism from those who believe it is unnecessary. Students choose a topic of interest to them and create a senior project that consists of the four P's[1]:
- Paper
- Product
- Portfolio
- Presentaion
Contents |
[edit] How it works
The Senior Project program is normally adopted at the district level. However, the North Carolina State Board of Education is requiring all students, starting with the class of 2010, to complete a Senior Project. Many districts such as the AVUHSD (Antelope Valley Union High School Distrcit) have already adapted the program and is needed to graduate.
[edit] Topic selection
The senior project is student driven in that students choose their own topic and implement the project on their own. Many topics have been banned within school systems that have had Senior Project implemented for several years, leading to some students being unable to do their choice project. Most topics are generally acceptable as long as they are relevant and demonstrate a learning stretch; criteria for senior projects generally include:
- Academic: Project involves formal instructions from a professional in the field outside of the high school.
- Community Service: Project provides viable service to the community.
- Career: Project involves potential future development.
- Personal Growth: Project represents a unique personal challenge.
[edit] Essay
Some schools require students to write a research paper directly related to their chosen topic. Others want, instead, a persuasive paper that argues a debtable issue generally related to their topic.
[edit] Physical product
One must create a physical product. This demonstrates mastery of a skill as outlined in the early stages of the Senior Project, and 'proves' that the student successfully worked on the project. Often, a minimum amount of tracked contact time with a guiding mentor is required for this portion. Unfortunately for educators, many students make up their hours and get their mentor to sign off on them.[citation needed] Thus, the purpose of Senior Project is almost defeated.
[edit] Portfolio
The student creates a portfolio. This portfolio details the experiences of the student throughout their senior project. It includes photographs, journal entries, a description of their experiences, and all the paperwork, also known as "busy work" to students, associated with the senior project. Many of students are unable to express their true feelings throughout the journal entries because, according to schools, "It would look bad during your final presentation in front of the panel of judges."[citation needed]
[edit] Criticism of the senior project
Many feel the senior project is unnecessary. The criticism is also based on the fact that the projects are not challengeing enough. But most feel that they are just a big waste of time. I should be working on mine for my teacher Mr. Corley (Laurens High School, SC) but I'm not. I'm typing this thing into wikipedia. Twelve pages due April 4, 2007 and I have yet to start.[citation needed]
"It lacks depth and easilly bloaked"
