Project Based Learning

Project Based Learning (PBL) http://susangaer.com/studentprojects/ Email: [email protected] What is Project Based Learning? Project Based learning, is a dynamic approach to teaching in which students explore realworld problems and challenges, simultaneously developing cross-curriculum skills while working in small collaborative groups. It creates a real life problem solving activity where concepts from the text book are used and explored. Assessments are used to determine competence in language objectives. Why Use Project Based Learning? • It is active and engaging • It inspires students to obtain a deeper knowledge of the subjects they're studying. • Research also indicates that students are more likely to retain the knowledge gained through this approach far more readily than through traditional textbookcentered learning. • In addition, students develop confidence and self-direction as they move through both team-based and independent work Folktale Project • Population-southeast Asian refugees – Strong oral traditions – Minimal reading and writing • Collaboration – District librarian – Eighth grade language arts class • Curriculum integration – Objectives that match the curriculum Newspaper Project • Population-Mostly Latino students at the intermediate levels of language development. • Elective Class that students chose to take • Urban Setting –Large School • Students choose this project the first semester the class ran. International Home Remedies Project  Developed by teachers to train other teachers  Model remedies from training placed on web  Advertise on webpage for other classes that have interest  Convenient form developed for easy additions

 Additions continually archived  Intermediate-Advanced level language students  Independent study class  Hundreds of student cycling through 1 hour class for only 8 sessions. Photo Project • Intermediate-Advanced level language students • Independent study class • Hundreds of student cycling through 1 hour class for only 8 sessions. Crucial Elements  The Project must be geared to the population  Students must see value in the project  Timelines need to have flexibility based on class time and project  Students are engaged in a meaningful project that develops authentic language  Develop a model for students to use Benefits  Motivating  It develops a sense of community  A student centered classroom is created  Students should feel high levels of self esteem from completing the project Resources Free Teaching Tools and Resources http://www.intel.com/education/tools/index.htm PBL Tools http://www.4teachers.org/tools/ Edutopia http://www.edutopia.org/project-learning Assessment Tools: http://pblchecklist.4teachers.org/checklist.shtml The Project Based Learning Place: http://susangaer.com/sgaer/pbl/index.html Less Teaching More Learning http://www.ncsall.net/?id=385 Project Descriptions http://susangaer.com/studentprojects/pbl/ Projects Folktale Project: http://susangaer.com/studentprojects/folk.htm Newspaper Project: http://susangaer.com/studentprojects/newspaper.htm International Home Remedies Project: http://susangaer.com/studentprojects/rem Photo Project: http://www.susangaer.com/verb Cookbook Project: http://susangaer.com/studentprojects/cook.htm Virtual Visit to a Goodwill Computer Store: http://www.geocities.com/a9421243/ Virtual School: http://susangaer.com/studentprojects/school.htm