Project+Based+Learning

Helen Phillips and Caitlin Unterman

This link should take you to the prezi created on project based learning. http://prezi.com/bqdan4sntr7e/project-based-learning/?res_nr=1&sis=2493590113

This link is to the Meridian reading on project based learning. http://www.ncsu.edu/meridian/win2002/514/

Here are some notes I took on PBL with a few good sites that I used as references. PBL: Dynamic approach to learning in which students explore real-word problems and challenges developing cross-curriculum skills while working in small collaborative groups.

Students decide what project they want to tackle and teachers guides them to the resources. Adults do not tell them everything. Students learn to be problem solvers and to be resourceful, life-long learners. Students become excited about process of learning.

Students are evaluated on the basis of projects, rather than rubrics from exams, essays, etc.

Students thrive with such flexibility. Studies show that “active” learning over traditional lectures produces good results in mastery of concepts.

Example Approach
 * Three Phase Approach
 * Initial discussion of topic
 * Fieldwork, sessions with experts, reading, writing, drawing, computing
 * Presentation to audience

Advantages
 * Results in active and engaged learning
 * Inspires deeper knowledge of subjects and students retain information better when they are excited and engaged
 * Develops confidence and self-direction through team-based and independent work
 * Produces organizational and research skills
 * Develops better communication with peers and adults and students learn how to collaborate
 * Results in working within the community
 * Great for integrating technology
 * Students can make connections to other problems
 * Reduces absenteeism and disciplinary problems

Long-term benefits
 * Shows how academic work connects to real-life
 * Students may even pursue a career related to a project

Examples
 * Students explore history, science, technology, and engineering by designing their own waterwheels before visiting one from the 1640s.
 * Biology class uses DNA barcoding to develop forensic techniques that help protect African wildlife. Findings are then shared with wildlife protection officials.
 * Seventh graders learn about soil bacteria by creating multimedia information pamphlets, which they distribute to garden centers and flower shops after consulting professional microbiologists.
 * Making films, presenting projects to community, leading historical tours, etc.

Resources
 * pclchecklist.4teachers.org
 * www.neafoundation.org (reference for using technology with students for project based learning
 * www.projectapproach.com (great examples and resources to buy)
 * www.edutopia.org
 * www.wallwisher.com