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After a review of the NJ Tech Standards with the Technology Teacher I made note of standards that were difficult to address in a typical cycle class. These classes meet for 60 calendar days and then move onto another related arts class.
Collaborating with experts and peers had proven a major challenge.
At the time I was taking graduate classes at Antioch University New England and was able to share some of my concerns with other experienced educators. The feedback and input of these educators propelled my thinking and I began to develop a series of linked challenges that I could do with my one non-cycle class. I use the Critical Skills Classroom model in my classroom which could support the implementation of such an in depth series of challenges. I wrote the plan hoping all the contacts I had made in previous years would find the challenges interesting enough to get onboard.
When I presented this PBL opportunity to the teachers at Deal and Samuel Mason, Tesla Science Foundation NJ Chapter President the response was a resounding yes. I believe the secret to building relationships that can make PBL more authentic starts with simply asking. I have spent the last few years of my life both personally and professionally approaching opportunities with the attitude of "Why not?" and found the benefits astounding. Not everything tried worked out, but everything taught me something valuable. Often the best learning came long after an experience had ended or a door was closed, but as teachers we are always learners first and this is where in reflection I found inspiration.
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