Project Based Learning
How can Project Based Learning allow me to engage every student in my classroom and drive learning forward?
Why did I choose Project Based Learning?
PBL is best practice! "Project Based Learning helps students apply what they learn to real life experiences and provides an all-around enriching education." (Edutopia 2008). PBL is a great way to differentiate for students. The students find choice within the project and how they want to present the information. They also have many opportunities to collaborate within their groups, share ideas, and work together. These are all 21st century skills we want our students to develop!
PBL is best practice! "Project Based Learning helps students apply what they learn to real life experiences and provides an all-around enriching education." (Edutopia 2008). PBL is a great way to differentiate for students. The students find choice within the project and how they want to present the information. They also have many opportunities to collaborate within their groups, share ideas, and work together. These are all 21st century skills we want our students to develop!
Teaching Quality Standard and how this document relates to choice of Project Based Learning:
TQS - 3 d) Teachers know there are many approaches to teaching and learning: Teachers appreciate individual differences and believe all students can learn, albeit at different rates and in different ways. They recognize students' different learning styles and the different ways they learn, and accommodate these differences in individuals and groups of students including students with special learning needs.
Teachers understand the fluidity of teaching and learning. They constantly monitor the effectiveness and appropriateness of their practices and students’ activities, and change them as needed.
TQS - 3 d) Teachers know there are many approaches to teaching and learning: Teachers appreciate individual differences and believe all students can learn, albeit at different rates and in different ways. They recognize students' different learning styles and the different ways they learn, and accommodate these differences in individuals and groups of students including students with special learning needs.
Teachers understand the fluidity of teaching and learning. They constantly monitor the effectiveness and appropriateness of their practices and students’ activities, and change them as needed.
What impact did Project Based Learning have on student learning?
PBL had a huge impact on student learning. Students were fully engaged and totally excited to work on their projects. They were able to interact with the information on a deeper level. Project 1 required a little more guidance and scaffolding. There was a misconception of the benefits of exercise as students were more focused on listing activities rather than the actual benefits. Conversations, redirection and scaffolding helped to fix this and we were able to guide the children to recognizing the benefits more than the activity. Project 2 required less direction. The students were excited to create their art projects and work with the plasticine. They truly KNOW about their creepy-crawly and we were able to have deep discussions on what makes an insect vs creepy-crawly.
Final Thoughts
It was very cool to see the learning that was happening with the students. I still feel like I would like more professional practice with PBL. At first I was hesitant because I wasn't sure if I was "doing it right". But it is true - I just needed to jump in and make it happen. I kept saying to myself - the project is the learning! It was my mantra during the two projects. A new curriculum and jumping into PBL was daunting at times, but so worth it - to see the learning and engagement in the students. I am especially proud of Project 2! I am excited to go back to grade 1 next year and try it again with a curriculum I am very familiar with. I also can't wait to take advantage of PBL PD opportunities in the province.