Course Example #4

Brewster Summer Institute - 2010

Project Based Learning

Presenter: Peter Hess

Course Description:

In this course you will learn the rationale, benefits, and components of project based learning. PBL evokes many different connotations from many different sources. The purpose here will be to focus how to make PBL an effective way to engage students in higher order thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and creativity by engaging in ‘real world’ kinds of activities.

Learner Outcomes:

• Given a Jigsaw activity, participants will know some of the research base that underpins PBL.
• Given a Jigsaw activity, participants will understand what PBL is and what its benefits are.
• Given a Jigsaw activity, participants will know the characteristics of effective projects.
• Participants will develop a project for use in their classes that embodies the characteristics of effective projects at BA

Readings:

Read the article below paying most attention to the first 2/3 of the article. Pay particular attention to the following questions as you read and be prepared to discuss these in class.

http://www.academiccommons.org/commons/essay/knowledgable-knowledge-able

1) How has our concept of knowledge changed in the last 10 years?

2) What are some of the tools that are reshaping our concept of knowledge, information, and teaching?

3) What is the “crisis of significance” described in the article and how does it relate to decisions about what gets taught in schools?

Teaching Strategy:

A jigsaw reading/research activity will be the primary means of learning about PBL. You will become an expert in one aspect of PBL as well as learning from your classmates about the other aspects. A review that summarizes how Brewster implements PBL will be provided. Participants will then engage in the task of designing their own project that they could use with their students.

Assessment Component:

For this class you will be assessed by the degree to which the project you develop fulfills the guidelines set forth for effective projects.

Overview of Activities:

9:00 - Discussion of pre-reading activity

9:15 – Jigsaw activity – expert groups

10:30 – Expert teaching the class

11:15 – Review of PBL principles at BA and project lesson template

12:00 – Lunch

12:45 – project creation time

3:00 – project sharing time