This page serves as a collection of helpful classroom resources, ideas, and overall aha moments regarding Project/Problem Based Learning. Ultimately, I would like to improve my instructional strategies to differentiate the problem based learning process for students, especially English Learners. Since over 50% of my students are classified as English Language Learners.I also want to release the burden of responsibility that PBL can present to teachers. Instead, I want students to own their own learning process as they navigate their own student-driven projects.I do not feel confident in my knowledge of the available technology tools available to students, that they could use in their projects. I would like to increase my familiarity with different technologies, to better support students.
Article #1: New Study Shows the Impact of PBL on Student Achievement Link:www.edutopia.org/article/new-study-shows-impact-pbl-student-achievement-nell-duke-anne-lise-halvorsen Brief Summary: PBL can raise student achievement in high-poverty communities. The implications of this is quite monumental, however it would require an instructional shift that accommodates more student-driven inquiry and projects, as opposed to traditional curriculums.
Article #2: Authenticity and Teacher's Role in Project Based Learning Link:publications.ysu.am/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/11Lusine-Madoyan.pdf Brief Summary: PBL is a good technique for teaching ESL, as it can provide students with the relevant linguistic and professional skills to accomplish work-related tasks.
Classroom Resource #1: 11 Essential Tools for Better Project-Based Learning Link:www.teachthought.com/project-based-learning/11-tools-for-better-project-based-learning/ How I can use this in the classroom: I could see myself using three tools to support students during the PBL process. 1)Mindmeister- To begin the brainstorming process, this mind map can help students visually see the connections between their ideas and those of their classmates. 2)Gloster- This is a great way to store links and images for later use for the research process or even a way to begin the topic selection process for research. 3)Dipity-This tool allows students to show and share stories, by mapping content visually.
Classroom Resource #2: 25 Creative Ways to Incorporate PBL Link:www.fusionyearbooks.com/blog/project-based-learning/ How I can use this in the classroom: If I would like to start off with collaborative brainstorming(chart paper + colorful post its) or digitally(Padlet) to show students how their thoughts and ideas are not necessarily linear. Trello would be a helpful digital organization tool for students to keep themselves on track to complete their projects on time, while tracking their progress.
Classroom Resource #3: Five Keys to Rigorous Project-Based Learning Link:www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnzCGNnU_WM How I can use this in the classroom: This video has helped me to see that check-ins and strong questioning techniques are needed to successfully start a project. Providing check-ins at various points throughout the project provides students and teachers with a chance to navigate any struggles and challenges that may arise during the process. I see this as conferencing. In which I have scheduled or unscheduled times with students to meet about their project.Also, by generating strong questions, I can keep students on track, while ensuring a rich and plentiful discussion to springboard the project.