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Problem Based Learning. The Independent Project. The Big Idea. Effective PBL is a way for students to engage in a variety of skills and topics under one umbrella. Effective PBL is active and engaged learning. Effective PBL can be both independent and done in groups.
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Problem Based Learning The Independent Project
The Big Idea • Effective PBL is a way for students to engage in a variety of skills and topics under one umbrella. • Effective PBL is active and engaged learning. • Effective PBL can be both independent and done in groups. • Effective PBL is different from traditional learning. • Effective PBL puts an emphasis on learning. • Makes Learning Relevant to the “Real World”
Revolution not Reform • Creating schools for the 21st Century requires less time looking in the rearview mirror and more vision anticipating the road ahead. • Teaching has been an activity undertaken behind closed doors between moderately consenting participants. • Technology enables students, teachers, and administrators to reach out beyond the school building. • Innovative classrooms are not defined by fixed places but by their spirit of curiosity and collaboration among students, teachers, and others in a true learning community.
PBL is Also.... • standards based. • based on a question or a problem that students can answer. • a concrete, hands-on experience. • a way for students to investigate issues and topics. • a way to foster abstract, intellectual tasks while exploring complex issues. • a way for students to create solutions
The 6 A’s of Effective PBL • Academic Rigor • Authenticity • Applied Learning • Active Exploration • Adult Connections • Assessment Practices Steinberg, A. (1997) Real learning, real work: School to work as high school reform. New York: Routledge
The Research Suggests… • …that students “obtain a deeper knowledge of the subjects they're studying”(http://www.edutopia.org/project-learning-introduction). • “…that students are more likely to retain the knowledge” • Bruce Alberts, former president of theNational Academy of Sciences (NAS). "Project-based learning gives everybody a chance to sort of mimic what scientists do, and that's exciting. And it's fun if it's done well."
Technology Applications • Creates curiosity and collaboration among various communities. • Create quickly • Charts and graphs • movies and videos • Power Points • Tie in to Social Media • It can put students into contact with professionals and leaders in their fields. • Enables all stake holders to reach out beyond the school building.
DIFFERENT TECHNOLOGIES • Smart phones, ipods and ipads have apps for everything but we cannot use them. • Methods for publishing: • Blogs, Videos, Discussions, Social Networking • Real time data for real world problems is available but we are not utilizing it. • Other countries are open for us to visit via technology but we are not visiting them.
Question • Start with the Essential question. • Take a real-world topic and begin an in-depth investigation. • Make sure it is relevant for your students.
Plan • Plan which content standards will be addressed while answering the question. • Involve students in the questioning, planning, and project-building process. • Teacher and students brainstorm activities that support the inquiry.
Schedule and Monitor • Teachers and students design a timeline for project components. • Set benchmarks. • Keep it simple and age-appropriate. • You are a facilitator and mentor
Student Products Should • Use logical patterns of organization to inform and persuade. • Use electronic media to enhance presentations. • Deliver multimedia presentations • Combine text, images, and sound by incorporating information from a wide range of media, including film. • Creative solutions and presentations enhance the “real world” applications.
ROAD BLOCKS • Time • Opportunity to provide the necessary professional development • Turnover of committee members • Lack of interest, apathy • Scheduling • Not sure what to focus on
Personal Stories • Read two reports: • Measuring Skills for the 21st Century by Elena Silva, 2008, http://www.educationsector.org/usr_doc/MeasuringSkilss.pdf • American Association of Colleges and Universities report: greater expectations; a Vision for Learning as a Nation Goes to College. National Panel Report, 2002, http://greaterexpectations.org/ • Developed a Research Curriculum • Really opened my eyes • Went to an NCTE Conference • Have attempted to conduct PBL at various times. • Minimal success at best.
Resources • Social Media • Twitter #PBL • Edutopia: A Great Advocate of PBL • Hightechhigh.org/projects • http://www.Englishcompanin.ning.com • http://www.classroom20.com/ • http://mnyildiz.ning.com • Media Literacy • http://edupln.ning.com • Personal Learning network for educators
Additional Resources • High Tech High -- http://www.hightechhigh.org/ • Buck Institute for Education http://www.bie.org/ • Learning by Design: Projects and Practices at High Tech Middle – http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1443099