I step back from the center of the action in Advanced Journalism to give the students an opportunity to form a learning community.  If I am at the center of the learning community, then the students are not given as much of a chance to grow and learn.  I don't totally disappear.  I gradually make myself unnecessary and remain as a resource on the sidelines for the students.  This gives the editors real power and enhances the learning process. Their motivation to learn and be the best is tremendous.  They key is to make sure that every student has some position of responsibility, which is why my editorial board is so large. I want everyone to feel that they have another role in addition to their role as a reporter.

Click on the links below for video interviews with advanced students about Esther's role.

View the diagram below for an illustration of how teacher and student roles change over time.

The diagram below: A change over time in a) who chooses the content for writing, b) who structures the activities, time, tasks and relationships, and c) who assumes expertise, gives feedback, and evaluates, means that students can take charge of their own learning experience and the teacher can fade to a facilitator.

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