http://www.edutopia.org/newsome-park

http://www.edutopia.org/magic-of-math

Driving Question = open-ended question that is meaningful and important to learners.

Open-ended, ill-structured problem with value in Real WorldLearner has active role in setting outcomesAnchored instructionTeacher as TutorScientific Inquiry Processes have indirect effect on artifactWidespread use in a variety of disciplinesAssessment is on going, allowing for revision

What is Problem Based What is Problem Based Learning?Learning?

Six A’s of PBL (Steinberg, 1998)Six A’s of PBL (Steinberg, 1998)

AuthenticityAcademic RigorApplied LearningActive ExplorationAdult RelationshipsAssessment Practices

AuthenticityAuthenticity

Meaningful to studentsSimilar to projects undertaken by adults in

workplaceStudents produce something that has

value beyond school setting

Academic RigorAcademic Rigor

Students acquire and apply knowledge central to one or more discipline areas.

Students use methods of inquiry from one or more disciplines

Students develop higher-order thinking skills

Applied LearningApplied Learning

Students solve a problem grounded in real life and/or work

Students need to acquire and use skills expected in high performance work environments

Students develop organizational and self-management skills

Active ExplorationActive Exploration

Students spend significant amounts of time doing work in the field, outside of school

Students engage in real investigative work using a variety of methods, media and sources

Students expected to explain what they learned through a presentation or performance

Adult RelationshipsAdult Relationships

Students meet and observe adults with relevant expertise and experience.

Students work closely with at least one adult

Adults and students collaborate on the design and assessment of the project

Assessment ProceduresAssessment Procedures

Students regularly reflect on their learning using clear project criteria that he/she helped set.

Adults from community help students develop a sense of real world standards from this type of work.

Students work is regularly assessed through a variety of methods.

Why PBI?Why PBI?

Improves students' critical thinking abilities ◦(Moursund, Bielefeldt, & Underwood, 1997)

Develops ability to ask questionsTaps into students' inquisitive natures (why does

something work the way it does?)Develops a sense of ownership in the learning

process. (intrinsic vs. extrinsic)Helps prepare students to meet state standards

◦(Boaler, 2001; Nadelson, 2000).

Why PBI?Why PBI?

Motivational for student. Students who struggle in most academic settings find meaning and justification for learning by working on projects (Nadelson, 2000). ◦ (Bottoms & Webb, 1998; Moursund, Bielefeldt & Underwood, 1997).

Provides a more wholistic view of the discipline (how does it tie to real world? Not just a disjointed list of vocabulary or formulas)◦ (Boaler, 2001; Blank, 1997; Bottoms & Webb, 1998; Reyes, 1998).

Aligns with current research on cognition ◦ (Bryson, 1994; Reyes, 1998).

Driving Question Power Point

What is Curriculum?What is Curriculum?

What is curriculum?What are the characteristics of good curricula?

What is Curriculum?What is Curriculum?

Curriculum is what is taught.Levels

◦Written curriculum◦Taught curriculum◦Hidden curriculum

Project 2061 Project 2061 Characteristics of Good CurriculaCharacteristics of Good Curricula

Identifying a Sense of PurposeBuilding on Student Ideas Engaging StudentsDeveloping IdeasPromoting Student Thinking Assessing Student Progress Enhancing the Learning Environment