Turning the Tables on Project Based Learning

Presenter: Jennifer Brinson

Presentation Summary:

Project-Based Learning provides opportunities for teachers to engage students in a deeper and more individual way. PBL is not just about the delivery of content, but encouraging students to take control of their learning. Discover what PBL is & how it can work with your students. Discuss various theories & see examples of PBL from various classes.

Outline:

Introduction - 5 min

Discussion of PBL Definitions (padlet) - 5-8 minutes

Benefits and Obstacles to PBL (padlet) - 5-8 minutes

Evolution of PBL and various theories - 15 minutes

*Launch, Growth Mindset, Genius Hour

Requirements of PBL - 20 minutes

*Implementing (Big Ideas, Research, Find experts, Ask questions, Develop a solution, Publish/Act

*Planning Documents

*Assessment (Rubrics)

Additional Resources - 5 minutes

Questions - 3-5 minutes

Purpose & Objective:

The purpose of this presentation is to invite attendees to consider the multiple definitions and use of PBL in their classrooms. We would like attendees to apply the definition(s) that can have the greatest meaning and value to their students. By demonstrating the options and providing a means to manage PBL in a variety of classrooms we hope to empower teachers to employ inquiry based learning with their students in order to capitalize on a variety of learning styles and students passion.

Expectations for Attendees:

Attendees can expect to have a working definition of PBL, a working means to accomplish PBL, resources to further their own development within their classrooms, planning/assessment documents to utilize, as well as a variety of examples to help provide ideas of projects they can use.

LInk to Prezi:

Link to Padlets:

21st Century Requirements and Rewards

Asking the right questions/solving new problems
Working in teams
Learning how to find, communicate, and apply information
Initiative, leadership, taking responsible risks
Time management
Interacting in a multimedia, graphics-based environment
Working across disciplines
- Source : Tony Wagner. The Global Achievement Gap. Harvard University. 2008

PBL Looks Like:

Project-based learning typically is grounded in the following elements:

Role-playing
Real-world scenarios
Blended writing genres
Multiple reading genres
Authentic assessments
Authentic audiences
Real-world expertise brought into the classroom
Units that assess multiple skills
Units that require research and comprehension of multiple subjects
Student choice
Collaboration
Multiple methods of communication (writing, oral speaking, visual presentations, publishing, etc.)

(Brief note here: Don't panic. You don't need every single one of these elements to call your unit PBL. These are elements to strive for, not to kill yourself to achieve.)