Project-Based Learning and Assessment

1. Project-Based Learning and Assessment Dr. Teresa Yohon tyohon@comcast.net or tyohon@enetlearning.org

2. Key Topics • Why Project-Based Learning (PBL) is important • Characteristics of Project-Based Learning (PBL) • Assessment and grading strategies in PBL • Assessment examples and tools to use in a PBL environment

3. Differences Project-Based Conventional Student-centered Teacher decision-making Assessment tests Collaborative student work Long-term investigations School-based activities

4. Differences Summary

5. Project-Based vs. Problem-Based Learning Project-based learning supports students in working on open-ended projects or problems. Learning is student-centered with the teacher as the facilitator. Students usually work in cooperative groups for extended periods of time, seeking multiple sources of information and creating authentic products. Problem-based learning is an instructional strategy used to engage students in authentic, ‘real world’ tasks. A specific and complex problem is presented by the teacher and students develop a solution to the problem. Problem-based learning may not involve all of the components of a project. Problem-Based Project-Based

6. Project Examples

7. Project Examples

8. Project Examples Students develop expertise on frogs by investigating frog habitats, observing frogs, They share their expertise in an information brochure for visitors at a new amphibian exhibit at the local zoo. Elementary students learn about health, nutrition, and consumerism by creating a new restaurant that offers healthy and appealing foods. They develop their own advertising campaign for the restaurant by developing convincing commercials. Algebra students learn about equations by investigating one aspect of a bicycle. Using bicycle-related relationships, such as wheel diameter and coasting distance, they apply math formulas to analyze how bicycles function. They share their findings and make recommendations to a bicycle company for bicycle improvements. Students read stories about the heroes of Greek mythology and compare the characteristics of a Greek hero to a modern-day hero. They choose a contemporary hero and write a myth that becomes part of a collective book, shared with an audience.

9. Project Characteristics Summary • Roles • Students are at the center. • Teachers are the facilitators. • Students work with peers, experts, and other community members. • Students become experts. • Project Structure • Project aligns to standards. • 21st century skills are integral. • Multiple types of assessments are used to inform students & teachers. • The Learning Experience • Project involves tasks/activities over time. • Project has real-world connections. • Students demonstrate knowledge & skills through products and performances. • Technology supports and enhances learning.

10. Assessment and Grading Strategies in PBL Example Assessment Timeline

11. Assessment Purposes

12. Assessments Methods and Instruments • Graphic organizers (includes concept maps, timelines, classification charts, sequencing activities, etc.) • Observations and anecdotal notes (includes checklists for teachers and student use) • Written, video, and photo journals and logs (includes reflections on learning, predictions, and questions to be answered) • Student-led conferences • Planning documents • Rubrics

13. Grading • Project Grades: Reflect a broader view of student learning by assessing processes AND final products • Creative process • Collaboration • Self-direction • Problem-solving • Academic standards • Individual vs. Groups Grades

14. Assessment Resources and Examples • Intel: Designing Effective Projects (overall website) • https://engage.intel.com/community/teachersengage/intel_teach/dep • Intel: Instructional Strategies (Prior knowledge, graphic organizers, cooperative learning, feedback) • https://engage.intel.com/docs/DOC-52039 • Intel: Assessing Projects https://engage.intel.com/community/teachersengage/intel_teach/ap • Intel: Assessment Plans https://engage.intel.com/docs/DOC-51990

15. Project Management Institute • Toolkit • Defining the project • Planning the project • Doing and Reviewing your project

16. Extend your Learning Project-based Approaches http://www.enetlearning.org/professional-development/online-course-catalog/project-based-approaches/ Assessment in the 21st Century http://www.enetlearning.org/professional-development/online-course-catalog/assessments-in-the-21st-century-classroom/ Project Management Toolkit for Teachers http://www.enetlearning.org/professional-development/online-course-catalog/pmief-project-management-courses/

17. Questions? Teresa Yohon tyohon@comcast.net tyohon@enetlearning.com