Project-Based Learning

As a student, projects were either a hit or miss for me. Some projects I could really get into, show what I could do, and explore my interests while others just weren't as "fun". As I reflect on the weekly readings this week, I keep thinking about Project-Based Learning and how it's important that projects are not just busy work for students. According to Larmer and Mergendoller, a project must be meaningful in 2 ways: 1) Students must perceive it as meaningful and something they will strive to do well on, and 2) must contain a meaningful, educational purpose. Project-Based Learning has the capability of providing both of the aspects of a meaningful project if designed and implemented properly. Projects must be thought-provoking and challenge students to solve a problem.

If you Google Project-Based Learning you will find the definition: 

8 essentials for PBL

Project Based Learning (PBL) is a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to an engaging and complex question, problem, or challenge.

I think the biggest take-away with PBL is that it is used to encourage the problem-solving within students. PBL gives students independence and encourages them to learn on their own. It requires the teacher to become more of the facilitator role and students direct their own learning through the project. In the simplest terms: the teacher does not introduce material then assign a project, the students educate themselves through the well-designed project.

To learn more about PBL, I highly recommend looking at Edutopia. They have amazing resources and information useful to all teachers, but I found this video especially helpful for PBL.

I am very excited about possibly implementing a PBL project while student teaching in the Spring. I see it as a different way to introduce a new topic to the students. Having to figure out problems or information on their own (and I will help as needed) can encourage critical thinking and problem-solving skills within the students. Critical-thinking and problem-solving skills are important for 21st century learners, and teachers must encourage development of these skills within students in many ways possible (PBL is a great one!)

In case you want to explore Project-Based Learning more with what #psuaged16 is is conquering this week:

• Larmer, J. & Mergendoller, J.R. (2010). The main course, not dessert: How are students reaching 21st century goals? With 21st century project based learning. Retrieved from http://bie.org/object/document/main_course_not_dessert
• Larmer, J. & Mergendoller, J.R. (2010). 8 essentials for project-based learning. Retrieved fromhttp://www.sbcss.k12.ca.us/attachments/article/1058/8_Essentials_article_small_file_size_Oct2012version.pdf