Project Based Learning

Linda Ullah, M.A., M.Ed.

Support Coach--Friday Institute Online Instructor--Foothill College

linda_ullah@yahoo.com

Life Is Project Based Learning

But where is the disconnect between life and school?

Learning: an active process in which students construct new ideas or concepts based on their current knowledge.

PBL

engages students provides an environment for the acquisition of skills needed in higher education & workplace. teaches curricular content builds 21st Century Skills creates habits of mind promotes critical thinking

-Drake High School, San Francisco, CA http://drake.marin.k12.ca.us/academics/pbl/pblfs.htm

Six As of Project Based LearningAuthenticityAcademic RigorApplied LearningAcademic ExplorationAdult ConnectionAssessment PracticesFrom Buck Institute Web sitehttp://www.bie.org

Another Way to Look at What is PBLContent

ConditionsActivities

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

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?PlanningBegin with an Essential QuestionImportant to your studentsDeep learning--the enduring understanding

What are the necessary skills?Standards (NCSOS)Prerequisite knowledge and skills Skills and knowledge to to be embedded into the project

Engage Studentsin problem solvingin higher order thinking skillsin critical thinkingin habits of mindin 21st Century skillsto solve real problems for a real audience

The Backwards Planning ProcessMcTighe J, Wiggins G (op cit)

AssessmentMcTighe J, Wiggins G (op cit)

3 Stages of a Project

Beginning (pre-production)

Middle (production)

End (post-production)

Pre-ProductionProject launch (Entry Document)Understanding the problemKWLTerminologyOrganizing groupsDirect instructionDiscussionsResearch/outlinesDrafts, storyboardsGuest speakersVideos

ProductionCompleting researchFormative assessmentsDirect InstructionTests/quizzesFinal draftsCreating productWorkshopsField tripsGuest speakers

Post-productionEditingCompleting projectsPresentationsDisplaysProductions/DebatesFinal Tests/AssessmentsReflection

PBL Processhttp://prezi.com/d0v1sg1qlq0-/pbl-process/