Reflection from Week 1:
In the first week of class, we explored the concept of PBL and had a chance to review resources that explained how teachers can implement it and why it benefits students. We also explored what it takes to implement PBL into the classroom and some potential issues with implementing PBL into our classes.
Before this week I did not know much about PBL. I was aware that it runs deeper than simply having students work on a class project, but I didn't know much about how to actually implement PBL in a real classroom. After this week, I feel like I have a greater understanding of what would go into changing my classroom and implementing PBL.Â
One of the biggest challenges educators face is the amount of time and effort that is required to successfully implement PBL. Teachers need to have a deep understanding of what it takes to design projects that will take the students to the desired learning outcomes, but also know how to facilitate PBL so that students can succeed and learn the things they need to learn.
While I have a greater understanding of the potential challenges educators may face while implementing PBL, I also have a greater understanding of the benefits of implementing PBL in the classroom. Students across all demographics seem to benefit immensely from using a PBL approach to learning. I also love how PBL can cater to multiple intelligences and allow all students greater opportunities to shine and show what they know and can do, while many assessment-based classrooms can't always provide those opportunities to all students.
When I started my first "real" job after graduating from college, I remember often feeling overwhelmed in open-ended work environments where I needed to find creative solutions to the problems of my clients. I would have done much better at my first job if I had the opportunity to participate in a PBL-friendly classroom. This type of environment would have made me feel more confident in trying new things and looking for solutions outside of the existing paradigms. When our students enter the 21st-century workplace, having a background in PBL will help them feel more confident when maneuvering through problems they will encounter in real-world situations.
I am extremely interested in implementing PBL into my classroom once I've finished this course. I also realize that I am going to need help from a mentor teacher who has implemented PBL into the classroom and knows how to overcome challenges and design an environment where students can succeed and feel confident in the work they are doing. I found several YouTubers who have made videos on PBL and how they have used it. It's great to be able to learn from their experiences.