September 1, 2013

Student Problem Solving From Day 1

1st Slide1

the WHY

Because students deserve an educational experience that parallels the world in which they live:

We believe in the power of students asking big questions.We believe in the power of students solving problems.We believe in the power of student collaboration.

PBLWe addressed PBL at the last CC meeting. We want to revisit that idea to look at how students become problem solvers and how to build bridges to support thme through public ed and beyond.2the How

understand how their learning has an authentic audience/connection.learn through an iterative process that cycles through asking questions, engaging in research, analyzing information, testing hypotheses, creating and sharing potential solutions.persist at solving challenging problems with opportunities through trial and error, using reflection to increase their knowledge and skills, and research to pursue the Driving Question.demonstrate complex knowledge and skills through creation and evaluation of products and performance.Students:monitor their own learning and growth through a cycle of reflection, revision, and redesign.develop self advocacy as they exercise voice and choice.communicate effectively, work collaboratively, and utilize technology to support their learning.3

Empowering Students as Problem SolversWith PROCESSES and SKILLS4Brains grow better in the real world than in artificial learning environments.

The more relevant a teacher can make instruction to the world of students, the easier it is for them to understand and retain content.

When they are solving a real-world problem or completing a real-world interdisciplinary project, the learning sticks to the brain.

Raise your hand when you see a statement that you do not agree with.5

For students, this is the Howa systematic way to learn problem solving6

Skill Integration documents provide a skill-focused horizontal look across Math, Science, Social Studies, ELAR, Technology Applications, and Health.

Each content area contains skill-based Student Expectations that enable students to acquire, process, and communicate the concepts they learn.

These skills can serve as the driving force that integrates different content areas. 7

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EiE has a curriculum that addresses real-life problem solving skills.Out of the 4 certified trainers for this resource in Texas, two are in R13.10EiE Unit StructureLesson 1: Engineering StoryLesson 2: A Broader View of an Engineering FieldLesson 3: Scientific Data Inform Engineering DesignLesson 4: Engineering Design Challenge

11What is an Engineer?

Students respond to the question, What is an engineer?What limitations do you see in their answers?1220 EiE Units

Notice the topics, engineering fields, and story settings for each title.13

14HB 5STEMBusiness and IndustryPublic ServicesArts and HumanitiesMultidisciplinary Studies

MaterialsEnvironmentalAcousticalBioengineerPackagingGeotechnicalCivilGreen15

The Conference Board, Partnership for 21st Century Skills, Corporate Voices for Working Families, and the Society for Human Resource Management: report Are They Really Ready to Work

ACT Reports include: The Condition of Work Readiness in the United StatesA Better Measure of Skills GapsWork Readiness Standards and Benchmarks

E3 alliance works toward this within their collaboratively designed Blueprint for Educational Change

Child Trends A Developmental Perspective on Workplace Readiness: Preparing High School students for Success

16Workplace Skill SetsProfessionalism / Work Ethic

Oral and Written Communications

Teamwork / Collaboration

Critical Thinking / Problem Solving

17English Language (Spoken)Reading Comprehension (in English)Writing in English (grammar, spelling, etc.)MathematicsScienceGovernment / Economics Humanities / Arts Foreign Language History / GeographyCritical Thinking / Problem SolvingOral CommunicationsTeamwork / CollaborationDiversityInformation Technology ApplicationLeadershipCreativity / InnovationLifelong Learning / Self-DirectionProfessionalism / Work EthicEthics / Social Responsibility18

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Cynthia HolcombElementary Science Specialist512-919-5227Cynthia.holcomb@esc13.txed.net

Lori ReemtsProject Coordinator, Curriculum & Instruction512-919-5359Lori.reemts@esc13.txed.net Last slide

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