Project Based Learning

Project Based Learning

Linda K. T. Ullah, M.A., M.EdSupport Coach

Friday Institute for Educational Innovation

[email protected]

Why Project Based Learning?

Good fit for 1:121st Century SkillsHigher Order ThinkingEnduring UnderstandingPromotes life-long learningDifferentiation Cooperative LearningLower absenteeismColleges and universitiesReal world connection

Life Is Project Based

Learning

Benefits

Engaged studentsDeeper learningBetter retentionMultidisciplinary connectionsImproved social and collaboration skillsHabits of mindSelf-management skillsStudents become responsible for learning21st Century SkillsTest Scores do not drop

Data from 1992 to Present indicates:

• Better analytical skills• Better critical thinking skills• Better problem solving skills• Better presentation skills• Better creative thinking skills• Better communication skills• Better collaboration and teamwork skills• Less absenteeism• Better student engagement• Fewer discipline problems• Better time management skills• In some cases--better test scores

Bridging the disconnect between life and school

Learning: an active process in which students construct new ideas or concepts based

on their current knowledge.

Six As of Project Based Learning

Authenticity

Academic Rigor

Applied Learning

Active Exploration

Adult Connection

Assessment Practices

From Buck Institute Web site http://www.bie.org

21st Century Skills

Partnership for the 21st Century: http://www.p21.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=254&Itemid=119

Another Way to Look at What is PBL

Buck Institute for Education: http://www.bie.org/pbl/pbloverview/definition.php

Content

Conditions

Activities

Results

Content:

Compelling

Complex problemsInterdisciplinary connectionsAmbiguity and unpredictabilityReal-world questions that students care about

Buck Institute for Education: http://www.bie.org/pbl/pbloverview/definition.php

Conditions:

Support student autonomy

Community of inquiry Coursework in a social context Task- and time-managementSelf-directed studentsSimulates the professional work

Buck Institute for Education: http://www.bie.org/pbl/pbloverview/definition.php

Activities:

Investigative and engaging

Multi-faceted investigations over time Encounter obstacles, seek resources, and solving problems Making connections among ideas and acquiring new skills Authentic tools Feedback from expert sources and realistic assessment

Buck Institute for Education: http://www.bie.org/pbl/pbloverview/definition.php

Results

Real-world outcomes

Complex intellectual products to demonstrate learning

Students participate in assessment Students held accountable for competence Students exhibit growth in real-world

competence

Buck Institute for Education: http://www.bie.org/pbl/pbloverview/definition.php

How Do I Begin?

Planning– Begin with an “Essential Question”

• Important to your students• Deep learning--the enduring understanding

– What are the necessary skills?• Standards• Prerequisite knowledge and skills • Skills and knowledge to to be embedded into the project

Begin with the end in mind!

The Backwards Planning Process

McTighe J, Wiggins G

3 Stages of a Project

•Beginning (pre-production)

•Middle (production)

•End (post-production)

Pre-Production

PlanningLaunch ProjectKnows/Need to KnowsEstablish TeamsReview RubricReview TaskBegin ResearchDirect InstructionWorkshopsGuest Speakers

Production

Completing researchFormative assessmentsDirect InstructionTests/quizzesFinal draftsCreating productWorkshopsField tripsGuest speakers

Post-production

Editing

Completing projects

Presentations

Displays

Productions/Debates

Final Tests/Assessments

Reflection

PBL Process

http://prezi.com/d0v1sg1qlq0-/pbl-process/