The Paradox of Showing Student Examples

For those of us who design curriculum for younger students, we struggle with the paradox of showing examples made by other students. Especially when it comes to tech projects.

On one hand, it can be really good thing for those students who don't understand what the lesson is about. "Oh, I get it. You want me to play the guitar on my iPad."

On the other hand, it can stifle creativity. Students are really good a copying each other. So once they see the student-made example, chances are they will try to copy it.

But for me, I've chosen to keep the student examples as part of my badges program for elementary school for the simple reason is that it sets the bar of what is possible. You see, I like to push students beyond what they think is possible and one of the ways I do this is by showing them something one of their peers make. If I were to just some them something I did, they could think, "Yeah, but you're an adult. Of course you can make a movie." But by showing them a movie, or anything else, it shows them that they can do. And for my competitive student, if gives them something to beat.

So for now, the student examples stay.