The PBL articles provide a good basis for teachers to get their own project based learning pedagogy off the ground. The McGrath article provides examples from a variety of k-12 classrooms for instructors to gain insights into the possibilities that pbl instruction can offer. Simple projects in some cases (the cola carrier example comes to mind) but effective in promoting student thinking, discussion, and collaboration regarding real world issues that also promote standard based instruction.
I have utilized some pbl based instruction in my own classroom, but perhaps not as regularly or as formally as is recommended. I agree with some of the discussion I have read regarding pbl assignments, that students need to be presented with the full guidelines and rubric prior to setting off on solving the problem at hand. This front end preparation can help avoid much of the difficulties that can otherwise be encountered in collaborative work.
Getting creative in producing a quality PBL is probably the biggest challenge most of us face. Creative, not only in producing a quality topic, but also in creating guidelines that are easy to understand while allowing students the freedom they need to explore the topic in a meaningful and interactive manner. The examples were helpful in that they let you know the project doesn't have to be too complicated. It caused me to look for more examples on line (http://www.mrsoshouse.com/pbl/pblin.html).
“Too often we give children answers to remember rather than problems to solve.” Roger Lewin
Being creative with the projects is my problem too! I think in order to create an appropriate PBL project it takes time and a lot of thought. Therefore, I think that for the classroom...it may take you a year to create several really good ones...then you can implement the next year! And if you keep up with that pattern...eventually you will have some great resources that can be used over and over again!
ReplyDeleteAnd I love the website...will definitely look more at that! Can't wait to see your project for this class!
Project based learning is a lot of work and I think all educators wish they had more time to prepare these kinds of projects for their students. The kids love things like this and it will definitely engage them because it is something different. It also makes me want to search for ideas to find the difference between a simple one and complicated one.
ReplyDeleteAaron, you made several excellent points! Yes, creating a clear guideline is very critical for a successful PBL. With a well-developed guideline, students will be able to get most out of it!
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