1. As you start the journey through project-based learning, you need to keep in mind that today's students are up to the challenge because they are already knowledgeable about the wonders of technology, projects are worth the hard work put into them, theses projects help teach students about real world problems and new learning guides the project approach.
2. The overall benefits of the project based approach is not only are your students presented with a learning opportunity, but as a teacher you are learning too. It takes learning to a whole new level and encourages participation.
3. The benefits to students that participate in project-based learning is that they get to experience real world problems and discover real world solutions. It gives students a chance to practice and improve on their communication skills. They also get a chance to work as a team, so its a great opportunity to learn how to work together and compromise on important decisions being made.
4. The issues that need to be considered in the project-based learning approach is your expectations for your students, the way you interact with your students, your classroom management plan, your classroom furniture set up, the way you assess your students, the student work you collect and the way you communicate with parents and colleagues.
5. New Technology High focuses on the technology and 21st century learning. The teacher at New Technology High felt more confident that the entire school was on board with project based learning and he felt supported.
I like the points you made about the teachers and students having whole new opportunity for learning and participation. These experiences are so crucial for our students to encounter in a safe environment, such as the classroom. These are skills that are vital for young people to learn to enable them to function in society. Learning how to work together, compromise, and support one another are even more benefits of project-based learning.
ReplyDeleteBased on the reaction of the teacher at NTH, I think that for this type of teaching to be fully implemented and successful, it would be necessary (helpful) to have such a site. Although, this is not to say that teachers cannot establish some of the strategies from this model into their everyday teaching at any "normal" school.
I agree with Andrea - I also like what you said about teachers and students having their learning taken to another level. I also appreciate that you pointed out that students will be gaining experience dealing with real world problems, experience that will help them with their future careers and adult life one day! Since they will be dealing with these problems every day in the future, it's important that they get practice working with real life problems now, and they will be a step above the rest of their peers in other classes who may not have been able to develop the skills that PBL requires. But I also agree with Andrea that it would be hard to use this teaching method without a school that fully supports and utilizes it. Still possible, but tough.
ReplyDeleteChelsea makes a very good point when discussing the issues that the teacher who is using Project Based Learning in their classroom. She stated that not only is it learning for the students, but for the teacher as well. I feel this is very important to keep in mind and constantly consider as you are teaching a classroom by Project Based Learning because the teacher must realize that the learning that is taking place in the classroom, including cooperation, communication, teamwork, etc. is a two way street and knowledge will be gained by not only the students, but the teachers as well.
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