Montrell Mcclendon

Montrell McClendon MEDT 3401 Darlene Jones-Owens Michele Wiles

PBL: In Our Classroom

Project Based Learning (PBL), according to the Edutopia site, “is curriculum fueled and standards based.” PBL asks the question what can be created in the education process that will teach a concept or idea. It is hands-on instruction that moves away from lecturing and taking notes to creating something that will allow the information to be infused into ones brain rather than depending on rogue memorization. PBL instruction is to look at the curriculum first with a question. What should the students learn from an educational experience? A student should walk away with specific skills and knowledge that they did not have prior to the lesson. Then the question should become how will the students go about learning the curriculum? Students will use many different avenues to attain knowledge and experience. Students can work in groups. They can have access to technology that would facilitate their learning. Also, students can work alone in a self- paced environment. The different learning needs must also be addressed. Some students are auditory; others are visual. Whatever the learning preference, it should be addressed when developing lesson plans and introducing the curriculum. PBL gives the students an opportunity to take responsibility for how and what they learn.

We face an educational system that is standards driven. These standards are in place to ensure the each student is learning or being introduced to same material. Often you encounter students who are behind or have not learning a particular concept. It is often not because they cannot learn but because no emphasis was placed on a particular area. Teachers are human and have their biases as to what should and should not be taught in their classroom. With standards in place, one can be assured that each student is being introduced to the same material and given a chance to get a foundation that is fundamental to their learning. PBL addresses both the curriculum and standards issue.

As stated earlier, each standard is to be addressed using the curriculum from a particular discipline.

The common thread of Project Based and Problem Based Learning is the use of technology and the hands-on experience. Although similar, there are distinctions between the two. Project Based Learning uses projects and hands-on activities to facilitate learning. Students are able to draw from many disciplines in order to complete whatever activity the teacher has given. The end result should be a product, something everyone can see. During the process of completing the project, learning takes place.

When looking at Problem Based Learning, there is an opportunity for hands-on activities as well but it the activity is based on a real world problem that must be solved. When students complete the activity they should know how to handle the same scenario or similar one in the real world. Project Based Learning is centered is driven by the curriculum. Problem Based Learning is driven by real world experiences.

I really enjoyed the “Geometry in the Real World: Students as Architects.” The project was cross cultural and highlighted something that all of the students have in common. The common thread was that they all go to school in a building. Each and every student has this in common. My essential question would be, “how would you improve your school and create an environment for learning?” Each student would immediately have thoughts come to their minds. They would have biases and dislikes.

The important thing is that they are all on the same playing field and can participate. I would pose this question and allow students to begin brainstorming by making lists of what they would change or add to their school. I would always make it personal by calling it their school.

After reading over the different ideas about Project Based Learning, I feel that it is the very important that teachers pay close attention to this approach and begin to incorporate it into their instruction. Students live in a technology driven society.

Everything they do is stimulating to their senses. If we plan to teach them and hold their interest we have to meet them on their playing field and incorporate what they are used to into our lesson plans. That means we have to find away to bring real world experiences into our classroom. Also, we have to help students navigate the real world because most of them are experiencing it at a rapid pace with no guidance.

References:

Edutopia. Retrieved on April 10, 2007, from http://www.edutopia.org/ php/keyword.php?id=037

Cyberfair. Retrieved on April 10, 2007, from http://www.globalschoolnet.org/ gsh/cf/index.html

Project Based Learning (PBL). http://pblchecklist.4teachers.org/

Project Based Learning with Multimedia. http://pblmm.k12.ca.us/

Tech Learning. http://www.techlearning.com/db_area/archives/ TL/2003/01/project.php