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)
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
Advantages
Long-term benefits
Examples
Resources