The Mastermind Project, Day 4: Interpreting Data and Drawing Conclusions

Today's class is a work period, and I want students to go straight to it.  I project Part 1 of the Mastermind Project on the screen, and as students enter the room I say that this is what they should finish right away.  

As students get situated at their seats, I visit each table to check in.  I ask if they have any questions, I give them some tips about how to collect qualitative data, and I tell them that as soon as they're done with Part 1, they should show me, and I'll give them a copy of Part 2.

As students complete Part 1, I provide them with Part 2, on which students will try to interpret the qualitative and quantitative data they've gathered on Part 1.  Please take a look at my Video Overview of this part of the project.

As I give Mastermind Part 2 to students, I say, "Remember that you've had your own experience playing Mastermind, but that there's also the experience that your class has had as a group, and these may be different from each other.  I'd like for you to think about both as you complete this part of the project."

Please check out my video narrative for a description of Part 3 of the Mastermind Project.

As each student completes Part 2 of the project, I give them a copy of MM Part 3.  What usually happens is that they finish in waves, so I'll pull a few kids together and explain my expectations for this part when they're ready.  

As I do this, I like to point out that I know we're only a few days into the school year, but that I want them to tell me everything they can on this paper.  It's true that this is a project, but it's also very much a formative assessment: I'm learning about the work habits and thinking styles of each student, and I encourage you to think of it as an opportunity for the same as your students work to complete the project.