PBL-Week 2

This week was quite a learning adventure in project based learning.  From the beginning I have been excited about PBL. I really like the approach and it fits my teaching style very well.  What I didn’t expect was the amount of research and resources that are already available online.  Even better than that, was the relevance of the learning activities that are already online. There are many lessons already created that can be used as is, or to build upon with resources specific to my classroom. Most of the activities online are all projects that I would use in my class, so I am excited to get started.  

As I look at the PBL projects, I find myself with more questions.  I wonder how using PBL will look in my own classroom?  Is it possible to have more than one PBL lesson running at once?  Or do you design projects that address ELA and math subjects simultaneously to hit more than one standard?  As I continue my research on PBL this week I will focus on answers to these questions.

Project Based Learning- Edtech 542

After just a week of introduction to project based learning, I feel like I have a much better understanding of what project based learning includes and what makes it successful.  Rigor, relevance, and relationship are all tied to PBL.  Success can't be obtained until students feel that the project has meaning (relevance) and they have a need to know reaction toward the driving question.  Rigor is created as students develop deeper knowledge driven by their own questions and research.  Students, teachers, and community all play a part in the relationships that are built.  Communication skills are developed and strengthened through these relationships.

I have mixed emotions about using PBL in my classroom.  Don't get me wrong, I am excited about creating a project that will help my students reach a deeper understanding than a traditional instructional approach would allow. Also, I am comfortable with the role of facilitator after implementing a genius hour in my class this year.  My concerns however, center around narrowing down a meaningful driving question, choosing the appropriate subject, and having appropriate resources available for the students.  I know that choosing the right project will be a challenge for me.  Maybe knowing my weakness will allow me to strengthen it as this class continues, just as it might in PBL.