Not a free for all -Proper projects in the classroom-

One of the roles I have this school year is to succeed in selling (can't think of a better word for it) our districts, commonly misunderstood, project-based learning program. Here are just a few key resources I use to articulate 'CTF' to students, parents, staff AND myself.

Inappropriate assignments turn into 'projects' just by students being assigned weeks/months for completion and proper project-based learning (no specific method) is branded a free for all (my most recent criticism).
A student whose project is substantial, share-able, and personally meaningful is the ticket.

A very incomplete list:

Ten Things I've Learned Learned Going Project-Based :the best, most simple articulation of projects in the classroom by the insightful teacher, Jon Spencer

Amy Meyer nails it by separating out 'doing projects'


A comprehensive framework connecting projects to learning locally and Community AS Classroom by Learning for a Sustainable Future.

Projects as true engineering in the classroom! Gary Stager and Sylvia Libow Martinez have produced the new 'bible on making' aptly titled Invent to Learn

When it comes to assessment of projects, this podcast on the Whole Child Education tackles: Assessment 101

As for the "what happens to learning the fundamentals" argument is best summed up in Doug Haller's quote:

“If you want to become (insert profession), you need to understand (insert content).” he explains “Alternatively, we mustn't instruct in such a manner that fosters the perception that everything exciting and important in a discipline has been accomplished”.

Debunking Five Myths About Project-Based Learning
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/debunking-five-pbl-myths-john-larmer

The best brief video out there on the old PLN:


Edutopia’s project based learning page
http://www.edutopia.org/project-based-learning

Principles Assessing Problem, Project and Inquiry
http://www.aishe.org/readings/2005-2/chapter9.pdf

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Blended Learning, meet Outdoor Education, you're such a wonderful fit...

Image
As buzz words go in education, the 'blended learning' model has been steadily increasing as an accepted delivery within classroom education. Blended learning, a challenge to teacher-centered classrooms, is no more technical than it sounds, basically encompassing a fluid use of face-to-face, on-line and group collaboration of some sort. Outdoor education is a powerful example of experiential learning that is far too often compartmentalized as extra curricular. Praised by many; however, its value localized with wellness and character building.  As ironic as it seems, outdoor and experiential education stands to benefit by the current integration of   technology. Teachers concerned with blending the classroom , as Cailin Tucker recently explained in a recent NPR article: "are using technology to replace elements of in-class instruction, classroom time can be leveraged to deepen learning. [Teachers] can embrace project-based learning and create student-cen...
Read more

Parenting With Steiner/Waldorf in Mind (and questions to ask).

Like so many new parents, I have found myself researching parenting trends and the science of child-rearing. Why not share? During interviews conducted during my graduate studies with experts on experiential learning there was commonly a referral like: "Well if you look at the utopian experience that Steiner/Waldorf Schools advocates create...". The expert would go on painting a description of a learning style striving to develop a complete human being. Where music, movement and theater, writing, literature and nature are not simply subjects to be read about and tested. They are experienced. The skinny: a Steiner/Waldorf ethos demands questioning of an experience or reaction to a behavior. What could be some nuggets that parents could utilize in home life? This post is just some Q and A's whipped together. Is electronic media as bad as research says it is for children? [1] Yes, Steiner/Waldorf training programs argue. Electronic Media affects child development ...
Read more

In our connected world, what has happened to our connection to the natural world?

Image
It came out of the blue, one day, a lust for exploring, observing and absorbing nature. The next, the entire family can sit in the same space with a lack of contemplation of the moment, plugged into our hyper-connectivity. I unfortunately plead guilty in this matter as well. Although there is incredible supporting data & well intentioned planning in experiencing rigorous recreation & nature experiences, I currently witness, and personally struggle with: true connections with nature.  The more my students and I become more and more technological enthusiasts it seems, the less we seek and experience pure joy in the outdoors. Our minds and bodies truly need a significant connection to the natural world. Take for example the  'Solitude Spots'  once a week during our science classes. Each student goes off to be alone in the natural world. The idea is that they might see and experience things they have have never seen before thus, providing a r...
Read more