Project Based Learning:adding RIGOR into your lesson

2012-2013

• Project based learning begins with an understanding of a clearly defined end product.

• http://www.projectapproach.org/ site that takes you to different projects for lower grades

Seven Elements of Project-Based Learning

• Standards Based• Assessment including rubrics• Student Centered• Collaboration• Real World Connection• Extended Time Frame• Multimedia

Challenge 2000 Multimedia Project:

http://pblmm.k12.ca.us

• Projects are a way for students to go deeper into the subject matter and use higher order thinking skills.

1. Real life2. Previous knowledge3. Solution4. Engaged5. Remember rather than memorize RIGOR!!!!

Projects have been shown to foster teamwork, self management, and critical thinking skills. These are life skills that are needed to be successful not only throughout one’s schooling but also as one enters into their career.

How Do I Begin?

• Planning– Begin with an “Essential Question”

• What is important to your students• What is the deep learning--the enduring understanding

– What are the necessary skills• Standards• Prerequisite knowledge (prior knowledge)• Prerequisite skills• Skills and knowledge to be embedded into the project

These are located in both reading and math teacher editions.

Traditional Instruction Emphasizes

Project Based Learning Emphasizes

Scope and sequence• Follows student interest

http://www.richland.k12.wi.us/HS/GT/Interest_Surveys.htm

• Large units composed of complex problems or issues

• Broad, interdisciplinary focus

Scope and sequence• Follows fixed

curriculum• Proceeds block by

block, unit by unit• Narrow, discipline-

based focus

Buck Institute for Education: http://www.bie.org/pbl/pbloverview/definition.php

Focus of assessment

• Process and products• Tangible

accomplishments• Criterion performances

and gains over time• Demonstration of

understanding

Focus of assessment

• Products• Test scores• Comparisons with

others• Reproduction of

information

Traditional Instruction Emphasizes

Project Based Learning Emphasizes

Buck Institute for Education: http://www.bie.org/pbl/pbloverview/definition.php

Classroom context

• Students working alone• Students competing with

one another• Students receiving

information from an instructor

Classroom context

• Students working in groups

• Students collaborating with one another

• Students constructing, contributing, and synthesizing information

Traditional Instruction Emphasizes

Project Based Learning Emphasizes

Buck Institute for Education: http://www.bie.org/pbl/pbloverview/definition.php

Assessment

McTighe J, Wiggins G (op cit)

Video resources differentiate for each grade level

• http://www.edutopia.org/project-based-learning-guide-resources

RUBRICShttp://www.tcboe.org/?

DivisionID=2651&DepartmentID=6090&ToggleSideNav

• Getting Started• Start small. Begin with a project lasting only a few class periods. • • Define the project and the objectives carefully and clearly. Have the

objectives align with both process and content standards.• • Give students a timeline so that they know exactly what is expected and

when the project is due. • • Look for projects that are already written. Check newer textbooks or the

Internet. • • Design your assessment plan in advance. Share the rubric you will use

with the students before they begin the project. If possible, show students samples of what you expect, including project documentation and the end product itself.

http://www.tcboe.org/?DivisionID=2651&DepartmentID=6090&ToggleSideNav

http://teachingtoday.glencoe.com/howtoarticles/project-based-learning-in-mathematics

• General Math•

Teach 21 PBL - Math by grade level - 50+ projects - grades 3-8Intel PBL - Various math projects - 17 projects - grades K-12ASA - Census at School - statistics & data analysis - grades 4-12

Sample ideas• Math project in teacher text folder (beginning of the book)• Performance assessment

– (student book at end of unit and teacher folder towards the back)

• Tracking hurricanes• All about me math poster• Fraction Sunday Project (PIS Teachers)• Bury Ye Own Treasure (PIS Teachers)• http://www.tcboe.org/?

DivisionID=2651&DepartmentID=6090&ToggleSideNav

• http://alex.state.al.us

• What ideas do you have????