Lesson 1-Learner Diagnostic

Learner Diagnostic

Goal in Conducting a Diagnostic

Conduct a needs assessment and/or use data resources to be informed of the cognitive level of students. Use this information for differentiation and activity design.

To obtain more background information on the basic structures and purposes of PBL, watch the videos from Edutopia: 5 Keys to Rigorous Project Based Learning

Needs Assessment

Why Project Based Learning (PBL)? PBL is designed to build on student interest and also address potential real world concerns. This style of learning also lets students be the center of their learning and are actively involved in inquiry based activities. Groups of students can also be established to promote diversity and are differentiated based on students' readiness levels, personal interest or learning style (Crawford, 2008). By creating such learning opportunities, students can take on authentic adult roles that are open ended; this allows for student driven questioning and hypothesis creation. Involving students in such learning activities can help develop deeper understanding of content and underlying concepts while also building 21st century problem solving skills (Crawford, 2008). In a system where instruction is driven by standards, PBL allows teachers to use state mandated curriculum and create meaningful learning experiences.

Laying out effective PBL takes much groud work, so it is important to know your students. Conducting a needs assessment by filling out this survey is one step in which you can make to start planning for your specific group of students. With this survey, testing data, and other diagnostic sources, you can make informed decisions about how PBL will look in YOUR classroom.

File:PBL Needs Assessment Survey.doc

Complete this Google Form to start the reflection process on your PBL Needs Assessment PBL Needs Assessment Reflection

Once the Needs Assessment an Google Form is filled out, you can e-mail me at crossi@albany.edu to start a conversation on how to use this information in planning for your PBL unit.

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Collaboration and Feedback

Click this link to access a Padlet forum to communicate and collaborate! PBL Padlet

Return to:Project Based Learning Instruction for K-12 Educators

References

Crawford, G. B. (2008). Differentiation for the adolescent learner: Accommodating brain , language, literacy, and special needs. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.