MY HERO Webquest for English as a Second Language Learners

by Kristan Taylor, Universidad Autonoma del Estado de Mexico

Grade Level K-4, 5-8, 9-12+
Subject ESL/EFL

Overview

Overview/Purpose:

Although most students are able to explore websites in their native language, it's a challenging task for English Language Learners. A Webquest is a common tool in many ESL classrooms. It is designed to walk students through the process of exploring a website in English with the purpose of preparing them for future Internet research projects.

Objectives:

The goal of this Webquest is to enable high beginning - intermediate ESL students to explore MY HERO while practicing English in a meaningful way. Students will practice reading comprehension, vocabulary, and summarizing.

Procedure

In general, Webquests are independent projects. If this is your students' first experience with a Webquest, they may need more support. Prior to going to the computer lab, students should review the vocabulary word list.

Inform students that they will be going on a Webquest to explore the MY HERO site and use clues to solve the Webquest!

MY HERO Webquest

Vocabulary:
Hero
Not for profit / nonprofit
Home page
Summary
Accomplishments
Review the questions on the Webquest, highlighting the vocabulary, and instruct students to be on their way!

Assessment

In order to assess the main objective of the Webquest, students work in groups to discuss the summaries of their three heroes. Teacher visits each group to monitor discussion.

1: Unsatisfactory: Students have not fully completed the Webquest Worksheet and are unable to summarize their work in English.
2. Satisfactory: Students have partially completed the Webquest Worksheet and can adequately summarize their work in English.
3. Exceptional: Students have thoughtfully and fully completed the Webquest Worksheet and can articulately summarize their work in English.

Standards

ISTE NETS Standards - Students

Technology Operations and Concepts: Troubleshoot systems and applications.

Digital Citizenship: Exhibit a positive attitude toward using technology that supports collaboration, learning, and productivity.

National Arts Standards, 9-12

Understanding and applying media, techniques, and processes: Initiate, define, and solve challenging *visual arts problems independently using intellectual skills such as analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.

ISTE NETS Standards - Teachers

Promote and Model Digital Citizenship and Responsibility: Advocate, model, and teach safe, legal, and ethical use of digital information and technology, including respect for copyright, intellectual property, and the appropriate documentation of sources.

Common Core English - Writing 6-12

Research to Build and Present Knowledge: Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.

Common Core English - Language 6-12

Conventions of Standard english: Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.

Common Core Media: K-5

Integration of Knowledge and Ideas 7. Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse media and formats, including visually and quantitatively, as well as in words.

Common Core English - Speaking and Listening 6-12

Comprehension and Collaboration 1. Prepare for and participate effectively in a range of conversations and collaborations with diverse partners, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.