PROJECT-BASED LEARNING
Learning
In
Action!
Why do we need to reform educational practices?
Research has shown that students• lack conceptual understanding of
important concepts
memorize facts without real understanding
cannot apply what they learn
lack motivation to succeed
Change
“We must be
the change
we want to see
in the world.”
-- Mahatma Gandhi
The Solution: Project-Based Learning
What is Project-Based Learning?
PBL is curriculum based.
PBL asks a question or poses a problem that ALL students can answer. Concrete, hands-on experiences are used during project-based learning.
PBL allows students to investigate issues and topics in real-world problems.
Why PBL?
Students need to see the importance of what they are learning
What students are learning needs to be connected to their world
What are the features of PBL?
What are the features of PBL?
1. A driving question
2. Investigations to explore the driving question
3. Collaborative activities to find solutions (social context)
4. Use of learning technology tools
5. Assessment of artifacts or products, that address the driving question
Question
Start with the Driving question.
Take a real-world topic and begin an in-depth investigation.
Make sure it is relevant for your students.
Plan
Plan which learning content will be addressed while answering the question.
Involve students in the questioning, planning, and project-building process.
Teacher and students brainstorm activities that support the inquiry.
Schedule
Teacher and students design a timeline for project components.
Set benchmarks / standards.
Keep it simple and age-appropriate.
Monitor
Facilitate the process.
Mentor the process.
Utilize rubrics.
Assess
Make the assessment authentic.
Know authentic assessment will require more time and effort from the teacher.
Vary the type of assessment used.
Evaluate
Take time to reflect, individually and as a group.
Share feelings and experiences.
Discuss what worked well.
Discuss what needs change.
Share ideas that will lead to new inquiries, thus new projects.
echemModel - It
UMDL/Artemis
Technological Tools to Support InquiryProbes
Palm/iPAQ
An Example “How Can Good Friends Make me Sick?” Teacher models investigations and engages
students by asking questions and seeking ideas Asking question--Is there bacteria on my hand?
Infecting petri dish Making observations and counting bacteria colonies
Analyzing data Drawing conclusions
Students perform own investigation while teacher guides and gives feedback
Ask questions--What happens if I wash my hands? Design investigation using procedures modeled by teacher.
Analyze data and draw conclusions
Benefits of project based learning
Interesting, exciting and motivating
Continually learn interesting content (lifelong learner)
Less discipline problems because students intellectually involved in work
Benefits of project based learning
Inquiry based learning that gives students a deeper understanding of science
Students use the science process skills
Students learn to work together to solve problems (collaborative skills)
Benefits of project based learning
Students become responsible and independent learners
Meets the needs of male and female students of different cultures, races and academic abilities by focusing on issues important in their lives
Encourages critical and creative thinking skills
Challenges in project based learning
Availability of resources Teacher discomfort with content
knowledge Limited student experience with inquiry
activities External pressures (examinations,
syllabus)
Let’s Begin
Think BIG!
The Question
is the Answer!
What is the Question?
Read “More Fun Than a Barrel of ... Worms?!”
Read “Geometry in the Real World: Students as Architects”
Read “March of the Monarchs”
Discuss which of the projects you just read about ‘grabbed’ your attention. Why?
What ideas do you have for a project? What question will you ask your students?
Activities
References Edutopia
: Success Stories for Learning in the Digital AgeThe George Lucas Educational FoundationJossey-Bass, Copyright © 2002
The George Lucas Educational Foundation Web sitewww.edutopia.org
Why We Assess Students - And HowMcLean, James E. and Lockwood, Robert E.Corwin Press, Inc.
Learning By HeartBarth, Roland S.Jossey-Bass, Copyright © 2001
Examples of project-based science products
How Do Machines Help Me Build Big Things?
Mechanical advantage - Sixth Grade What Affects the Quality of Air in
My Community? Basic Chemistry Principles - Seventh
Grade How Can Good Friends Make You
Sick? Communicable Diseases -
Seventh/Eighth Grade What is the Quality of Water in
Our River? Water Ecology - Seventh Grade
Highly specified and developed but adaptable materials aligned with national standards.