Kaila's Mini-Course: Project-Based Learning
Introduction
Today's classroom is constantly changing. Many teachers are trying out hands-on learning and finding that this works well with a variety of students. The traditional structure of a classroom is becoming less and less popular. Students are no longer sitting in a seat all day taking notes. Learning is becoming more interactive and student centered.
In a project based learning classroom the students interact with their own learning. The teacher offers the students a concept that they must work together to find the parts of the content and bring it back together. The students use resources, technology, support,and research to complete tasks and projects. All of this is directly applied and associated with their learning. These assignments and activities are student centered. Students can take control of their learning. Lessons are not centered on the teacher. The teacher steps back and becomes a facilitator.
A project based learning environment offers a classroom ways to be emmersed with student opportunities that help them build essential life skills. Students become better with problem solving techniques, addressing real-life issues, communication, collaboration, etc. This allows students to be in charge of their learning. PBL offers increased motivation and encouragement for learning. Students want to learn. They want to find out the answers.
Performance Objectives
By the end of this course learners will be able to:
- Define project based learning and show how to use it in the classroom
- Develop a logical argument on the benefits of PBL in the classroom.
- Apply the concept of PBL to his/her own classroom and create a successful project to implement in the classroom using guidelines.
Mini-Course Units
PBL Unit One (Start here)
What is project based learning?
Why is it beneficial to use in my classroom?
How can I implement PBL into the classroom?
Resources
https://www.bie.org/about/what_pbl
https://www.edutopia.org/project-based-learning-guide-importance
- Blumenfeld, P. C., Soloway, E., Marx, R. W., Krajcik, J. S., Guzdial, M., & Palincsar, A. (1991). Motivating project-based learning: Sustaining the doing, supporting the learning. Educational psychologist, 26(3-4), 369-398.
- Grant, M. M. (2002). Getting a grip on project-based learning: Theory, cases and recommendations. Meridian: A Middle School Computer Technologies Journal, 5(1), 83.
- Larmer, J., & Mergendoller, J. R. (7). Essentials for project-based learning.Educational leadership, 68(1), 34-37.
- Solomon, G. (2003). Project-based learning: A primer. TECHNOLOGY AND LEARNING-DAYTON-, 23(6), 20-20.