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MIC09 reflection1

Answer one of the following questions as a "Comment" at the bottom of the page. For more information on editing and commenting, click here.  For help with other PBworks issues, click here for the "Help: Table of Contents."

 

  • What makes Project Based Learning appropriate and different in comparison to traditional instruction?
  • What considerations are important when incorporating a Project Based Learning approach into the classroom? 
  • What issues and benefits must a teacher consider that are specific to PBL instructional strategies?
  • How can all types of students will be successful in PBL environments?

 

Questions about modules or your project? Contact:

  1. Your coach (this person should have emailed you already)
  2. Another cohort (for directions on contacting other cohorts, click here)
  3. Beth Baker or John McCarthy

Comments (Show all 63)

Beth said

at 9:22 pm on Jul 20, 2009

Wow great summary, I agree the PBL helps students acheive "depth," another way of saying this would be rigor.

Beth said

at 9:24 pm on Jul 20, 2009

I like your ideas for monitoring motivation and providing incentives.

Beth said

at 9:25 pm on Jul 20, 2009

I think that incorportaing your centers into a project with a driving question, is a great way to get started.

Beth said

at 9:28 pm on Jul 20, 2009

Often we forget about the importance of beginning with the end in mind as well as integreating the skills you mentioned: critical thinking, collaboration, etc.

hrivest said

at 2:50 pm on Jul 21, 2009

What considerations are important when incorporating a Project Based Learning approach into the classroom? One thing continues to pop into my head as I read; it would be critically important to create a very strong classroom community before even attempting a major project like we are proposing. I have used the "Tribes Learning Community" philosophy for several years so that the ground rules are embedded for effective collaboration. This is a time consuming task for young children. The differences between a traditional elementary and high school environment seem huge to me especially when planning a project that requires that focused collaboration-not easier or harder-just different. The great thing is that a project is just what all that preparation fior a caring learning community is set up for.

Mary Jo Eid said

at 2:59 pm on Jul 21, 2009

What makes project based learning so important is that it allows the student to be personally involved in their own learning. It allows the teacher to be a faciliator and coach. It makes learning more meaningful.

Anna Henning said

at 6:57 pm on Jul 31, 2009

How true! You've hit the nail on the head. One of the beauties of project-based learning is that it draws connections between the classroom and students' lives outside the classroom. Students respond well when we respect their "whole" person.

Kate said

at 3:01 pm on Jul 21, 2009

PBL can provide a completely differentiated learning experience for all learners. Students can be successful participants with many opportunities for in depth learning.

Marcia Dettloff said

at 3:07 pm on Jul 21, 2009

Things to consider when incorporating Project Based Learning:
Start out small and build to bigger projects, this allows, you the teacher, to get a feel for how to manage the daily structure and the progress of the project. While the students understand their roles for project expectations.

Anna Henning said

at 7:05 pm on Jul 31, 2009

This is crucial. Just as we work to scaffold learning for our own students, we must give ourselves permission to do the same with our personal/professional learning! Bitting off more than you can chew has never helped digestion. It's excellent that you are preparing yourself responsibly.

Cathy said

at 3:08 pm on Jul 21, 2009

What considerations are important when incorporatiing a PBL approach into the classroom? For me the major consideration would be to introduce the project before teaching any concepts. I always thought I did use PBL and since this training I realized that I was using the projects after the skills/concepts were introduced. It will be interesting to see how much more the students will get out of the project being introduced before the teaching.

Anna Henning said

at 7:07 pm on Jul 31, 2009

This sounds like a great line of professional inquiry, Cathy. I think you'll be surprised by the effectiveness of creating that project framework first!

carko said

at 3:09 pm on Jul 21, 2009

How can all types of students be successful in PBL environments?
Students have the opportunity to complete projects using their learning style. They know expectations and have flexibility within the assignment.

Jeanine Sherman said

at 3:15 pm on Jul 21, 2009

PBL is a great learning environment for all types of students. It shows all students what is expected of them. The units will typically contain different learning styles to reach all types of learners. Along with different learning styles the pbl's will also contain many media styles to keep the unit interesting for all students.

Karen McClenny said

at 3:24 pm on Jul 21, 2009

What makes PBL appropriate and different in comparrison to traditional instruction?
PBL can lead to success for all of my students! My students will be empowered as they will be personally involved in their own learning activities. What more could I ask for improving my teaching?! Thank you...

jhowell@... said

at 3:28 pm on Jul 21, 2009

What makes Project Based Learning appropriate and different in comparrison to traditional instruction?
PBL is an authentc approach to real learning. Its ability to connect student learning to the real world enables it to keep them engaged and desire to continue in their own learning process. In a traditional learning environmnet, teachers feed the students the information and expect a return from them, a regurgitation if you will. PBL creates a student centered learning process based in inquiry, reflection and synthesis. Hopefully this will allow learning to follow them for more than a few minutes/weeks. Long tern sustained knowledge and growth is the desired goal.

Jocelyn Farkas said

at 11:32 pm on Aug 13, 2009

John,

I think that you have really discovered the great part of PBL when you stated that it will allow the students to continue learning for a longer period of time during the week. Really, as the teacher (facilitator) we can plan for that by how we plan our projects. It looks like you have a good understanding of the model. I cannot wait to see your project!

julie kwiatkowski said

at 6:41 pm on Jul 27, 2009

What makes Project Based Learning appropriate and different in comparrison to traditional instruction?

It is important to be reminded that learning is a social activity. This can easily be overlooked. As educators who have traditionally focused on completing and assessing a given curriculum, we have become expert at scaffolding the content. In our efforts to successfully reach the greatest number of learners, the range of knowledge that is expected can and has been drastically stunted. It is also apparent that students need skills to accompany the knowledge that will satisfy the requirements of today's employers.
With these things in mind, it becomes increasingly important to engage the students in ways that will encourage not only problem solving, but collaboration as well. Students must apply the knowledge they already have to interpret and construct new knowledge. Given that they must be able to complete more in depth investigations to topics that are important and relevant, they must also have the skills to effectively communicate these results. The most effective way to incorporate all of these attributes is through project based learning. Students own the learning process by investigating topics that are important to them. Their expertise on a topic becomes a direct reflection of their own learning style and abilities. Most importantly, students who are difficult to motivate, now have a stock in the learning process. They will and must be taken seriously.

Jocelyn Farkas said

at 11:34 pm on Aug 13, 2009

Julie,

Not only did you give an excellent summary of PBL, but you also made some interesting points about 21st century skills and how they mesh with the PBL model. Students who become the investigators will automatically take in more information because when we put the problem into their hands, it becomes more meaningful.

Christine Catlin said

at 2:29 pm on Jul 28, 2009

Question: What considerations are important when incorporating a Project Based Learning approach into the classroom?

Answer: First of all I feel that I need to prepare my students. They will need training in areas of colloboration, research, and slef-management skills in order for them to be successful in the project. I also feel that I need to scaffold during the entire project (at least for the first couple of stages in the project). I also need to re-evaluate myslf for the role of coach/facilitator. For my students I am very excited for them to have this experience, I know that it will enourage them to take responsibility for their own learning and give them the opportunity to see that math is everywhere (and is relevant).


Anna Henning said

at 7:10 pm on Jul 31, 2009

You have a great understanding of what you need to do and where you want to go with your students. Having such a clear vision will be a tremendous benefit! Any ideas about areas you will look for as you do a self-evaluation on your role as a facilitator?

Mrs. Kamps said

at 9:12 pm on Aug 7, 2009

Question: What considerations are important when incorporating a Project Based Learning approach into the classroom?

Answer: It is important to consider which topics are core to your curriculum and base your projects around those. Do not try to teach basic skills through PBL. Also, the type of previous teaching your students have had should factor into your plan. If PBL is new to them, you will need to be more intentional about teaching and modeling collaborative work, time management, and oral presentations. Evaluate the abilities of your students and understand they will all learn at different rates. Consider who you are as a teacher and how you manage your classroom. Be sure the structure of the project fits with what you can handle and is authentic to your personality. Last, the way the project is structured should match your environment. If you only have 40 minute class periods, you will need to chunk work sessions more than someone with a block schedule. If your room is small, think about other locations students may be able to be productive.

Jessica (Barth) Steffel said

at 1:33 pm on Aug 8, 2009

What makes Project Based Learning appropriate and different in comparison to traditional instruction?

Project Based Learning is appropriate for more types of learners than traditional instruction. I have a vision in my head of a severely ADHD student, who often would be upside down in her chair during the math lesson and therefore had the number sense of a preschooler as a first grader. I could reach her better in a small group using traditional instruction, and even better one-on-one. However, the method of me "teaching" to her never really stuck. Thinking back, I think using Project Based Learning could have helped her master the concepts because:
1. It values each person for their skills they DO have, not highlighting what they DON'T have.
2. Learning as part of a project is more motivating. Students don't tire of "lectures." The teacher is not the all-knowing and is more of a facilitator.
3. She and all students would be more aware of their knowledge and their learning. They would understand the WHAT, HOW and WHY of what we do, beyond "the teacher told us to learn this."

I think the transition to PBL from traditional instruction is a shift for both teachers and students. As a learner, I was uncomfortable in our 2 day workshop sometimes because I mastered (at a very early age) the business of succeeding at learning in school. This challenges me to step outside my comfort zone as a learner and as a teacher. I believe it will be worth it, though!

Janice Harding said

at 2:31 pm on Aug 9, 2009

I think project based learning differs from traditioinal instruction in that it gets students to work on real world issues rather than just mastering a suite of discrete "skills" that they have no driving motivation to learn. That makes it inherently more engaging. It also focuses on collaboration and production of products that help students gainthe experience and confidence to direct their own learning (they "learn" how to become life long learners...something preached but rarely achieved in educational circles.

I think preplanning is the most important consideration for establishing a successful project based learning opportunity for students. Without beginning with standards, having the end in mind, and involving kids from the start with a clear plan (rubrics, entry documents, etc.) there is a potential for the project to fall apart before it gets off the ground.

Teachers have to have clear expectations of students and provide formative assessment along the way (as well as look at learning artifacts) if the project is going to succeed. Time needs to be built in for students to achieve through collaboration and project work. The benefits to student participation in PBL include a deeper understanding of standards, ownership and pride in project completion/management, use of higher level thinking skills, and engagement with a unit of study.

Scaffolding and cooperative learning can help all students achieve. It may be necessary through formative assessment to pull together small groups of students for help with a skill or to reteach a concept, but the benefits (high levels of student success) are worth the investment of time.

Pamela said

at 9:49 am on Aug 12, 2009

What makes Project Based Learning appropriate and different in comparison to traditional instruction?

I believe PBL offers students of all types the ability to succeed no matter what type of learner they are. By using a project based learning experience with my students they will be able to acknowledge the relevance to their learning, which I think is often over-looked in a traditional classroom. A student asks, "Why are we learning this?" and many teachers think...because my standards say you have to learn it, without giving validity to the learning process or skills that will make our students productive citizens the rest of their life. They are eager to learn a concept, when it shows the relevance to their lives. As an educator, want to promote that type of motivation in my students and utilizing PBL will give me that chance.

freemanm@... said

at 2:11 am on Aug 13, 2009

•What makes Project Based Learning appropriate and different in comparison to traditional instruction?
The biggest difference is that the "project" is assigned at the front and is the vehicle or means to the end, rather than traditionally, tie project is the end. it also allows the student much more control of their own learning as well as the media they choose to use to find the information and the mode they chose to use to present their learning.

Jocelyn Farkas said

at 11:26 pm on Aug 13, 2009

Todd,

You have definitely summarized the key points of PBL. I think that the most important point to remember in moving forward is that PBL is really for the benefit of the student, not just for learning but also engagement.

Jocelyn Farkas said

at 11:29 pm on Aug 13, 2009

Melinda,

You made a KEY point in PBL and classroom management in discussing that the "norm" will be changed with the amount of activity and movement taking place. PBL can easily be incorporated into a classroom by the teacher setting the expectations early on. One of the biggest challenges is how to introduce this type of learning so the student really "dives" in. The critical question can be just that hook needed when posed to the entire classroom.

mribant@... said

at 7:56 am on Aug 16, 2009

•What issues and benefits must a teacher consider that are specific to PBL instructional strategies?

ONe of the big issues that must be considered regarding PBL is a clarity for students around what the expectations are. The expectations continue to be an understanding around stadards, at a minimum. One of the most profound benefits for a student is the fact that they really see what those standards are and how they are applied to real situations. The level of sophistication around the classroom discussions and the project notebooks seen in the packaging video from the Napa, CA. school cleary shows the understanding the students had around those concepts. They were living it. From an assessment standpoint, the variety of product received will be wide and varied. There will have to be a clear switch to a continous editing and refinement of student work as opposed to "here is my quiz and this is what I get for a grade".

Cheryl Boes said

at 9:50 pm on Aug 21, 2009

How can all types of students be successful in PBL environments?

PBL environments are open to all learning styles. Students can work on answering the driving question based on whatever experiences and knowledge they bring to the classroom. PBL environments are non-threatening and allow students to follow their interests while addressing the learning standards. Students are given the opportunity to make choices regarding the ways in which they will display their knowledge to their classmates and teacher. Students work in collaborative groups as well as independently. A student who is struggling can receive support from their teacher in addition to their peers. Overall, PBL environments present opportunities for ALL students to learn and grow at their own pace and ability level.

lindsay wohlford said

at 11:26 pm on Aug 30, 2009

How can all types of students will be successful in PBL environments?

The framework of PBL enables all students to be successful. Often with PBL students are taking ownership of their own learning right from the beginning by deciding how they will handle the real situation. The ability to make decisions on their own, with support from other students, teacher, etc, puts them into the driver’s seat and calls them to take ownership of their learning, and gives them a clear idea of why what they are doing is important and meaningful to them as a learner. It also allows for individual instruction, meeting the needs of particular students as they move along the PBL process in situations that are relevant to them as a learner.

Hilary Speshock said

at 10:06 am on Sep 7, 2009

What makes Project Based Learning appropriate and different in comparison to traditional instruction?

PBL is appropriate in today's classroom because of the fact that students no longer need to acquire a wide range of facts to be successful in life, they need to know how to make and utilize applications of the facts that they do know. They must be able to problem solve and collaborate with their peers in the workforce today.
PBL is different from traditional instruction because it does not require the teacher to supply the students with knowledge. Instead, teachers become facilitators who are instrumental in enabling students to creatively problem solve and to determine creative solutions based on their individual thinking and needs.

Deb Snow said

at 8:15 pm on Sep 8, 2009

What makes Project Based Learning appropriate and different in comparison to traditional instruction?

PBL is engaging, hands on and relevant learning. Instead of the traditional model of direct instruction without real life application, the focus becomes the driving question or the authentic problem that drives the curriculum. The standards-focused project allows the teacher and students to form a learning community. In this learning community students are empowered with decision making, collaboration, and exploration of the key concepts. The teacher's role is that of a facilitator.

rourkek said

at 10:07 pm on Sep 17, 2009

What makes Project Based Learning appropriate and different in comparison to traditional instruction?

PBL is different than traditional instruction because it is hands on, relevant to real life scenarios, and involves in-depth problem solving. PBL is based around the standards rather then just teaching and testing in tradition ways. PBL involves topics that our students are interested in and motivated to learn more about. PBL starts with a driving question that students have to answer and by doing so they are incorporating many of the standards and curriculum. PBL is a student lead way of learning. Students collaborate to problem solve and investigate using various tools and skills. PBL is a powerful way to teach because it is very engaging and teaches student's to be independent and creative thinkers rather than the traditional way of teaching that usually involves teachers giving students the answer or best way to solve a problem and expecting students to be able to copy or manipulate it back for assessments.

John McCarthy said

at 9:10 am on Sep 18, 2009

PBL is everything you've expressed. Your students are in for an exceptional experience!

AndreaJackson said

at 11:03 pm on Sep 19, 2009

What considerations are important when incorporating a PBL approach into the classroom?

One of the first things that I will need to consider is my student's readiness for a project. As a teacher of young children, who are new to PBL, I will have to figure out the appropriate amount of guidance and support that my students will need. They may not be able to work on a project as independently as older students, or for as long a period of time. As I get to know my students and how they learn best and work together, they will give me the clues that will help me structure the project.

I think that it is also really important is that you really know your curriculum, and what is really important for students to know and understand. Our driving question should lead the students to uncover the standards that our students are required to know. In order for this to happen, I think that it's really important that I have a very clear understanding of what that curriculum is.

Cindy Carson said

at 10:10 pm on Sep 30, 2009

•What considerations are important when incorporating a Project Based Learning approach into the classroom?
I agree with Andrea in the comment above, it's really important to consider the student's readiness for the project... academically, behaviorally, and socially. With the PBL approach, the teacher needs to consider how much of the project will be student determined and how much will be teacher directed. For example, my project will require students to research various tourist attractions in Michigan. I need to consider how much support to provide my 3rd grade students in terms of the research. Will I provide a list of web sites to use as a research base... or will I allow the students to search freely on the Internet to come up with their own research sites?
It's very important to consider the driving question as a motivating force that will pull the students through the experience of the project. If the students are not motivated by the question, then the project will simply turn out to be another series of hoops for them to jump through to complete a task. The outcome of the project needs to be meaningful for each student involved.

klisk said

at 1:14 pm on Oct 18, 2009

How can all types of students be successful in PBL environments?
Project based learning utilizes all aspects of best practices and brain based learning. It clearl

klisk said

at 1:23 pm on Oct 18, 2009

It clearly provides students with opportunites to learn in their dominant learning style. At the same time, it provides opportunities to strengthen a students skills in other learning styles.
I think that the scaffolding & Cooperative learning encompassed in PBL is particularly useful for the students i teach- ESL and special needs students mixed in with my regular ed students.
Furthermore, tradiitional learning is a one time "snapshot" for assessing student learning, while PBL utilizes the learning throughout the project to build a clear picture of the students learning

Marcia Brink said

at 9:55 am on Nov 28, 2009

What makes PBL appropriate and different in comparison to traditional instruction?
Traditional education is either read it in a book or listen to the teacher tell you what you need to know. During a PBL lesson each student is able to discover the knowledge they need on their own. Information discovered is much easier to learn and is remembered much better than being told the information or reading it.

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