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| Kids Interest Discovery Studies KITS (KIDS KITS). A program to generate active, self-directed learning and higher levels of thinking, using organized sets of multimedia materials on topics of student interest, for grades 1-8. |
Audience Approved by JDRP/PEP for students of all abilities, grades 1-8: has been used successfully with gifted and talented, Chapter I, educationally handicapped, and bilingual students, as well as regular classroom students.
Description Kids Interest Discovery Studies KITS (KIDS KITS) is a multimedia approach to gifted and talented education, special education, regular classroom instruction, and library media center activities. Based on a school-wide survey of student interest, kits such as Indians, Astronomy, and the Human Body are developed by the library media staff and teachers. Kits contain books, filmstrips, tapes, models, transparencies, etc., suitable for different grade levels, a variety of learning modalities, and a range of abilities. Integration of resources into KIDS KITS allows for immediate hands-on use of a variety of materials. There are four phases of student involvement: exploration, in-depth study, application, and sharing of information. Exploration allows students to become aware of topics of interest and resources available. During in-depth study, students ask and answer research questions by listening, viewing, reading, and writing. Students apply the information they have learned by creating a product or preparing a presentation. A wide variety of study products is encouraged, such as creative writing, transparencies, tapes, models, or filmstrips. Products may be added to the kits. Students are encouraged to share their learning. KIDS KITS relates to several of the National Goals for Education, but most directly to Goal 3. KIDS KITS is used by teachers to enrich instruction in all subject areas. The primary purpose of KIDS KITS is to enhance thinking skills. Higher levels of thinking are developed as students articulate questions, locate and use resources, organize information, and plan a presentation or product to demonstrate what they have learned. Engaging in this type of in-depth study develops the ability to reason and to write and communicate effectively. Problem solving and career education are integrated throughout the process. Attainment of Goal 2 is facilitated by assuring that all students experience challenge and success in their learning activities, thus developing or increasing positive attitudes towards school. Parent involvement is encouraged.
Evidence of Effectiveness Interview data for students in grades 1-8 have been collected at the original school and at 13 adoption sites located in eight different states. Sites vary from small rural to large urban. Analysis of the data indicated that with increased kit use students demonstrate: (1) greater specificity, complexity, and multiplicity in their descriptions of the purpose of their learning activities; (2) more awareness and use of learning resources; (3) a greater number of applications of information; and (4) a high level of interest and enthusiasm for research. The significance levels varied from .03 to .001.
Requirements Staff at the adopting school develop at least six kits, using a wide variety of print and nonprint materials. Much of this material already is found in most schools. Costs vary considerably, depending on the amount of new materials purchased. Each school identifies a coordinating team which receives four to six hours of training in kit materials selection, program management, implementation strategies, and evaluation. Teams should include the library media specialist/aide and one to three other staff members. Parents also may be included. Each team later conducts training at the building level. Students are trained in the use of KIDS KITS, operation of audio-visual equipment, and media production.
Costs Awareness materials are available at no cost. Appointments can be made for visitors to observe the program. Training can be conducted at the adopting school/district, other agencies, or at the original school. Purchase of one Program Manual ($25) per school is required. Optional purchases include Activity Cards, Discovery Cards (research questions), and Kit Development Guidelines. Follow-up services are available. Costs for all services (awareness, training, follow-up) include travel expenses and consultant fee for trainer.
Developmental Funding: USOE ESEA Title IV-C.
JDRP No. 81-40 (12/15/81)
Recertified (3/11/93)
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