Stephanie Joseph - Reading Reflection 1

As I go through my journey with Project-Based Learning I need to keep in mind that not everything is going to go according to plan and I need to be able to be flexible and allow things that I may not have expected to happen, happen. I also need to keep in mind that being comfortable with my lessons will not always be possible for me. I need to be willing to try new things and adapt to my students and their needs. I also need to keep in mind that the students will be becoming more independent with their time and progress on assignments. I need to be willing to allow this to happen with my students so that they are not only learning the information taught, but the everyday life lessons they will be learning. I also need to be willing to explain my reasoning on project approaches to colleagues and parents. When going through my journey I need to keep in mind that what we collect with our project assignments will be more worth keeping then just any old lesson plan within a textbook. 

The overall benefits to PBL (Project-Based Learning) are that students to engage in real-world activities and practice the strategies that they learned. Another benefit is that projects form the centerpiece of the curriculum instead of just something that students do on the side as extra activity. Another benefit is that technology becomes a tool for students to use and know how to use. Children can begin to help teachers with research and come up with their own ideas and thoughts. 

Some student benefits to PBL are that students develop good communication skills in order to find solutions to things that they misunderstand. Students also gather skills that will help them in real world instead of just in the classroom. PBL also helps students gain a fuller understanding of how the world actually works and that there are other people in the world besides themselves and their circle of friends and family. Students also gain the feeling that they, themselves can change the world. PBL helps students learn to communicate and help solve problems that may someday change the world. 

One issue that needs to be considered when using the PBL approach is that not everyone is going to agree with this type of learning. Teachers are going to be questioned on how this is type of learning is going to benefit their children and what they will gain from this. Another problem is that PBL doesn’t want to discard the traditional project-based learning. We want to add on to the traditional way and make it even better. 

The New Tech model is a program that uses research and planning as the center of it, just like the PBL is doing. Students get to use real world learning and technology is increased but is no t the main focus. Teachers are given time to work together to create a plan and find out where they can improve. This helps teachers share their ideas and spread the good projects around so the students develop a all around good education. 

Shelly Henderson - EDT 3470 - Concept Map - Weather

Shelly Henderson - EDT 3470 - Reading Reflection #1

As I start my journey through Project-Based Learning (PBL) I need to consider many things.  I need to be willing to learn new things, including things I may not be comfortable with at the outset.  I need to be willing to give up my hold on the traditional teacher’s role where I am the expert.  I need to be willing to take risks, accept change, and trust that students are up for the challenge.  I need to trust that PBL projects are worth the effort even though they may seem daunting.  I need to understand that students live and learn best in the real world and that tapping into that can make a big difference in the classroom.  New learning contexts today are available and encouraging the project approach.  Teachers need to have the courage to try embracing such a wonderful idea. 

The benefits of the PBL approach are huge!  This approach is changing classrooms all over the world and providing real-life experiences for both the teacher and student.  They are both encouraged to reach outside the classroom to the world.  PBL encourages the creation of new learning communities. The world that awaits graduates today warmly welcomes students that come from a PBL approach.  They are able to discuss, research, analyze and problem-solve creatively and cooperatively, skills that are crucial to have in this day and age.  Teachers need to prepare their students for the world and using PBL allows for that to happen in an engaging, fun, and rewarding way.

The typical student experience is changed when they learn by engaging in real-world projects which is a big part of a project-based experience.  They are able to create their own meaning from their own questions, not from a general set provided to them.  Students are actively engaged in their learning and are encouraged to produce authentic projects while collaborating with their peers.  Students have choices and they learn how to handle them through active learning and teamwork.  Students who participate in PBL are much more prepared for the real-world and have a confidence that cannot be bought. 

When working with a PBL approach there are many things to consider.  As a teacher, you must consider your learning goals for your students, the way you talk with them, and your classroom management style.  All are subject to change with this new approach and you need to be ready to change too.  You will become a different teacher, one with new expectations for your students, one who does not need to be in control, and one who trusts their students to manage their time and their own progress.  Your classroom will probably not look like a traditional one.  You will need to make changes to allow for additional technology and students to work in groups.  How you assess your students will need consideration and may change as you see what happens when your students work through their projects.  You will think more carefully about what artifacts you collect through the process.  Using the PBL approach puts projects at the center, not as conclusions at the end.  You will need to be prepared to communicate with parents and people at your school.  You need to know and believe in the approach and be ready to share that enthusiasm. 

The New Technology Model was designed to meet the changing needs of the workforce our students will be entering.  It has PBL at its core and has proven highly successful at New Technology High in California.  At this school, there are only 100 students per grade, projects targeting real-world learning are the main focus, and technology is everywhere.  Teachers collaborate with each other as well as with their students.  They share their knowledge with fellow teachers, encouraging each other to search for new ideas.  Students are graded throughout the process which encourages them to focus on areas needing improvement.  What makes New Technology High so special is that the whole school supports the PBL approach.  Teachers and students have bought in and are engaged and working together with a real-world focus.  It is a school that has been and will continue to be replicated.  The PBL approach is a real, wonderful way to educate our students.