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Use these resources to become familiar with the idea and concepts of project-based learning. As you progress through each of the 4 sections, you will go back to the Pinnacle Leader group and respond to reflections on our discussion group. These resources are in no way all-encompassing and this is a research process, so feel free to spread your wings to other sites. What is Project Based Learning?There is no ‘official definition’ for PBL; however, there are common themes which emerge in various scholarly articles and websites as well as not-so scholarly websites. Wikipedia's definition as of June, 2009 states:
"Project-based learning, or PBL, is the use of classroom projects, intended to bring about deep learning, where students use technology and inquiry to engage with issues and questions that are relevant to their lives. These classroom projects are used to assess student's subject matter competence compared to traditional testing."
Question #1Why Project Based Learning?Below are articles from Edutopia, a website and magazine by the George Lucas Educatioal Foundation (awesome if you ever need anything for technology). These article references some school where PBL is the rule and not the exception. It also makes some very valid points about why there is such a need for PBL. Question #2What are the Steps of Project Based Learning?Very much like the using scientific method, baking a Paula Deen pound cake, or building a birdhouse, there are certain steps which must be followed to make sure that the finished product is indeed what you want it to be. Using the following resources below and any others Choose one of the examples and note the SIX STEPS used in the process of creating a PBL. You may also want to jot down what the step includes. Focus now on the process. Project-based Learning (the site)
Question #3Can my Students Really Do This?Absolutely! PBL is not about glitter and glamour, it is about student engagement and student learning. Below are several links show videos of differnt types of students doing different types of PBL. Remember, the video which can be the final product, in most cases is not the project; it is simply a means of sharing their project with the world. Look at at least 3 different projects. See if you can identify the problem the students were trying to solve. What looks managable? What looks overwhelming? What makes you think ‘YES! my students can do this!’ or ‘Well, I am not sure my kids and I can pull this off.’ A video library providing teacher and student examples
ConclusionWhat about you? How do you see PBL working in your classroom? What questions do you want your students to answer? What questions will your students want to answer? What ideas do you have for PBL your classroom? Dream Big - Think Fun - Take a Risk! Question #4
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