Kaila's Portfolio Page
Title: A Student Centered Classroom with PBL
Topic/Purpose
What does PBL stand for? PBL is project based learning. So what exactly is project-based learning and why do we hear about it often? My purpose for this course is to present project based learning to teachers in order to allow it to become a familiar and comfortable concept. Project based learning is a concept that does not go along with the usual norm of teaching.
This course will cover:
- What is PBL?
- Why is it beneficial to use in the classroom?
- How can I implement it?
Needs Assessment
I have conducted a short personal survey to help understand the view of project based learning in professionals. The survey was conducted through peers and colleagues that teach in elementary level grades. Most of these teachers have taught for 5-15 years. I have found that many teachers do not use PBL in the classroom. Much of this lack of use has to do with not knowing where to fit it in with the curriculum and state standards. Many believed they did not have adequate time for long projects for students. I found that some were not sure exactly what PBL entailed and if it was even beneficial to the classroom and students. I discussed this with ten teachers. The needs that I have gathered from my inquiry on PBL is:
1. Familiarity:
Teachers are unfamiliar with PBL, therefore they do not feel comfortable using it in the classroom.
2. Time:
A project takes a longer time than a small lecture and assignment. How can we fit in a project? Teachers are worried there will be an insufficient amount of time to complete everything required in the curriculum.
3. Implementation:
How can teachers implement PBL in the classroom? Where does it go and what subjects can it be used for?
- 6 teachers that were interviewed believed to be these were their top three concerns.
- All 10 teachers had at least one of the concerns mentioned above.
Prerequisite Learners should have teaching experience and access to a classroom
Analysis of the Learners & Context
The intended audience of this course is any elementary teacher looking to gain a better understanding of project based learning. These teachers can be veteran teachers with years of experience or new teachers with little to no experience. This course will provide these teachers with a general background of PBL as well as tips for implementation in the classroom.
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.
Task Analysis
What is project based learning?
- Students will be working through videos and readings to gain an interaction to the topic.
- Students will discuss thoughts with classmates.
Why is it beneficial to use in my classroom?
- Students will read through benefits of PBL
- Discussions will allow for students to communicate/collaborate thoughts.
How can I implement PBL into the classroom?
- Students will learn how to implement PBL into a lesson plan.
- Through guidance, students will create a lesson plan with PBL.
- Students will receive and offer classmate and instructor feedback.
Curriculum Map
References and 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.