NARROWING THE FIELD:

MODULE 2, LESSON 1

PROJECT BASED

LEARNING

In this lesson, we will…

Look at what project based learning is, and what it is not

Outline the essential elements of a PBL

Take a look at the PBL process.

Objectives

What is Project Based Learning?

Student-centered

Explores real-world issues and questions

Emphasizes the 4 C’s

Authentic learning and intrinsically motivated

A cyclical process

Rooted in constructivism

Based in inquiry, rooted in standards

Students are creating projects or products with an authentic audience and purpose.

“With project-based learning, students learn by designing and constructing actual solutions to real life

problems.”-George Lucas

Essential Elements of Project Based LearningKey Knowledge and Understanding

Success skills

Challenging problem or question

Sustained inquiry

Authenticity

Student voice and choice

Reflection

Critique and revision

Public product *Identified by The Buck Institute for Education

Projects Project-Based Learning

Can be done aloneRequires collaboration and teacher

guidance

About the product About the process

Is teacher-directed Is student-directed

All projects have the same goal Students make choices that determine the outcome

Products are submitted to the teacher Products are presented to an authentic audience

Lack real-world relevance Based in real-world experiences or problems

Occur after the “real” learning Real learning occurs through the project

Project or PBL?

The PBL Process1. The teacher sets the stage.

2. Students take on roles.

3. Students gain background information.

4. Teachers and students work to collaboratively establish criteria.

5. Students accumulate materials.

6. Students create their projects.

7. Students prepare to present.

8. Students present their projects.

9. Students reflect on the process and evaluate the projects based on the criteria established in Step 4.

Teachers as Classroom Coaches, Chapter 11

The PBL Process

Introduction

Entry Event

Identify the problem

Ask essential questions

May include a lesson on content or learning activity

Investigate and Plan

Brainstorm

Research

Plan

Determine criteria for success

May include lessons on content and learning activities

Create

Gather materials

Create projects

Make revisions

Embed opportunities for feedback

Present

Present projects

Reflect on process

Evaluate

Celebrate successes

Project to PBL: Not-SO Extreme Makeover

Project PBL

Introduction Teacher provides lesson introducing content.

Students participate in inquiry-based engagement or entry activities.

Investigation Students participate in engagement activities with prescribed steps.

Students plan their investigation, and collaboratively create criteria that

will determine how they know they have been successful.

CreateStudents are assigned a project as homework that will synthesize the

information learned in class.

Students work collaboratively to design, create, revise, and prepare

for presentation.

Present Students turn in their projects to the teacher for a grade.

Students present their projects to an authentic audience.

Download the PBL Process graphic.

Complete the Narrowing the Field: PBL page in your Project Design workbook.

NEXT STEPS…