Project-Based Learning and Graded Readers

From setting up to sharing work

Victoria Boobyer

-What are graded readers?

-What is Project-Based Learning?

• Setting up projects

• Assessing projects

• Sharing projects

• Example PBL• -Bugaboo• -Aesop’s Fables• -Peter Pan• -Sherlock Holmes• -Canterbury Tales

-Why graded readers and PBL?

What are graded readers?

• Vocabulary, grammar complexity, number of

words

• Paper, eBook, Digital Readers, app

• Levels

• Genres• Age

What is Project-Based Learning?

http://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/article/tbl-pbl-two-learner-centred-approaches

•Central topic•Access to information•Opportunities for interaction•A final product

What is Project-Based Learning?

“…an extended learning process that uses inquiry and challenge to stimulate the growth and mastery of skills.” 

Markham, T, Project Based Learning. Design and Coaching Guide (2012, p.x)

PBL is not TBL

Markham, T, Project Based Learning. Design and Coaching Guide (2012, p.x)

“…an extended learning process that uses inquiry and challenge to stimulate the growth and mastery of skills.” 

Project-Based Learning is not ‘doing projects’

Projects PBL

Can be done on own Teacher guidance & collaboration needed

Not many student choices

Students make choices within pre-set guidelines

Are handed in Are presented to an audience

Are all the same Are different

Why do graded readers lend themselves to PBL?

•Easy, accessible, huge range

• Wealth of extra information

•Compelling

• Integrated concept checking• Often with sound

Setting up the PBL

Projects that allow autonomy need most detailed planning

https://slpbl.wordpress.com/

Setting up the ProjectProviding access to information

https://slpbl.wordpress.com/

Managing PBL

• Enough space for group work

• Monitor closely - for understanding, L2

• Monitor closely - content, language and skills

• Allow enough time for each group

PBL - rubrics

• Useful for fine-tuning aims and objectives

• Improve assessment and performance

• Improve expectations because they’re tangible

• Improve feedback quality

Assessing PBL - rubrics

• Make sure it’s clear and not “waffly”

• Read through the rubric with the students

• Give out the rubric before the project

• Follow the rubric if grading

Sharing the Product

• Think of other ‘stakeholders’

• Make sure students think about this from start

• Public, private, authentic audience?

• Low, Medium and Hi-Tech options

Sharing the Product

Low Tech

Poster

Live

Live

Poster / Live

Sharing the Product

Low Tech Medium Tech

Poster Word Doc

Live Recorded

Live Videoed

Poster / Live Doc / Video / Audio Recording

Sharing the Product

Low Tech Medium Tech Hi Tech

Poster Word Doc Wiki / Google Doc

Live Recorded Podcast

Live Videoed YouTube

Poster / Live Doc / Video / Audio Recording Blog / Website

Sample projects

Bugaboo: The Wicked Witch

Create a spell using a potion that you can present and

demonstrate in front of an audience.

Aesop’s FablesWrite and perform a play basedon one of Aesop’s Fables for the

end of term party.

You can adapt a story or write your own.You will need to promote your play.

Sherlock HolmesYou are going to take part in a national animation competition.

Create a short animation based on a Sherlock Holmes story - or in a similar genre.

First read the competition instructions and write a draft project proposal…http://curation.cs.manchester.ac.uk/Animation/Animation15/animation15.cs.manchester.ac.uk/index.html?man=true

Canterbury TalesCreate a board game that encapsulates the essence of The Canterbury Tales: Characters, Events and Themes.

Create a sheet of instructions which show how to play the game.

You will also need to create a document/presentation

to share with a games manufacturer which makes clear:

http://mrsabercrombie.wikispaces.com/file/view/Canterbury+Tales+Project.pdf

i) the connection between the game and the book ii) why you think the game would be successful

Peter PanA group of Japanese Peter Pan enthusiasts are coming to visit

our school.

Create a detailed one-day itinerary

for a bespoke “Peter Pan”tour of London

Graded reader review project

Create a “review” system to put in place in our school library.

Students wanting to read a book should haveaccess to reviews by other students covering:• Theme/ Topic (not too much plot)• Suggested age range• Difficulty• Unputdownable rating• Further recommendations

Thanks

victoria@eltcreative.com