Unit 1: Project Based Learning
Target Objectives:
Upon completion of this unit, participants will:
- Define Project Based Learning (PBL) and learn the pros and cons to this theory.
- Analyze the connection between PBL and 3D printing.
What is Project Based Learning?
Project-based learning (PBL) is a student-centered learning approach where teachers become more of a support system instead of a knowledge expert attempting to transfer that knowledge to the students. This is a form of constructivism where students wouldn’t be passively receiving information, but instead they would be learning by doing (University at Buffalo). Please note, project-based learning and problem-based learning are similar in theory, but are different philosophies. PBL gives many students who may have difficulty with reading, reciting, and repeating, a chance to be creative and learn by creating some sort of project for the teacher to assess learning. Many teachers are buying into this approach as students are thoroughly engaged throughout the lessons. An added bonus is that students are proud of their final product because they were the ones that created it opposed to an older approach to learning. That being said, PBL is not without its drawbacks. Something teachers need to keep in mind when introducing this concept is that some students that aren’t motivated at school, or are true novices in how learning works, may have a difficult time understanding the concept. In some circumstances, students new to learning (novices) won’t be able to handle the responsibility of being intrinsically motivated, and thus may grow frustrated putting more work back on the teacher (Edutopia 2021). Also, depending on where you find your research on PBL, there are reports that argue both sides of the successes (or lack thereof) of this theory. Lastly, project-based learning relies on students working in groups to create a solution to the learning problem; some students might not feel comfortable working on teams and being mature enough to get their work done. Teachers need to understand that this is just another tool that they could try in their classroom to engage all students in learning. There are many different ways to introduce PBL to your classroom whether it be a Shark Tank project, a debate, planning a garden, or in our case using 3D printing to help create that solution.
Summary of these ideas:
- Project-Based Learning is learning by doing and creating to show teachers what they have learned
- PBL Pro: It lets students be creative whereas reading and standardized testing may hinder creativity
- PBL Con: Teachers need to observe students' reactions to a new concept and be ready for frustration
- 3D Printing is one of many tools that can be used to create a Project-Based Learning environment
Activities:
Activity #1:
Check out this video from the Buck Institute explaining PBL:
Project Based Learning: Explained
Activity #2:
Now that you have a very general idea what it is, check this video from Edutopia on the 5 keys to be successful:
Five Keys to Rigorous Project-Based Learning
Reflection Activity:
Now, let's use PBL in this professional development. Let's get into teams of two to four and using what you've picked up so far, create (or use an existing) a unit in your field where the assessment is something that students create; it can be a poster, a debate, a product, anything but a standard test. You can write out these ideas on a piece of paper, or a Google Doc, just try to get an overarching idea out there and don't worry about the minor details of the unit/lesson.
Next: Unit 2: What is 3D Printing and What Machines are Out There?
Home: Getting Started with 3D Printing in Your Classroom
ETAP 623 Spring 2021 (Byrne) |
Rock's Portfolio Page
NOTE: You will find citations for this course on the Getting Started with 3D Printing in Your Classroom References and Resources page.