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.