fps_allthingsPBL

"Projects can be wonderful teaching tools. They can allow for a more student-centred environment, where teachers can guide students in their learning instead of using lectures to provide them with information."

"If you're doing it right, most project-based learning will hit every area of the curriculum, whether it's social studies, math, reading, or even technology."

"Blending all of this into the traditional A-F grading system, however, has on occasion felt like pounding a square peg into a round hole. At this point in the school year, we feel that standards-based grading would be the best and most opportune solution to grading in a PBL environment. "

What is the difference between Project-Based Learning and Problem-Based Learning?

"the following series of fill-in-the-blank prompts can be used by teachers to create lessons, students to create projects-or teachers to collaborate with students to create lessons-or projects."

"Not only does project based learning motivate students because it is an authentic use of technology, it facilitates active learning, critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity. Projects begin with a driving question-an open-ended question that sets the stage for the project by creating interest and curiosity. "

"It's not that I am against rubrics because I feel they are evil, but rather I'm against the way they are most typically designed and the way they are most typically used."

"Project-based learning, as with all lessons, requires much preparation and planning. It begins with an idea and an essential question. "

"I often talk with educators (and parents and administrators) who are convinced that their students are working within Project Based Learning environments. They tell me about the wonderful projects the kids have created and how much fun the kids have. I'm always delighted to hear the kids are having fun in school! However, I find that when asked a few probing questions, it becomes clear whether or not PBL is actually happening or if the teachers are merely creating projects for students to complete."

"So, what makes a question "essential"? Let us begin by engaging you in a bit of inquiry using the following concept-attainment exercise to examine the characteristics of an essential question."

"I've spent quite some time searching all over the internet for end products. I think these samples can be used as inspiration for your own projects. And, critiquing these samples can help students think of ways to make their own productions better."

I've been thinking of the kinds of questions I consider when planning a project-or planning a unit when students plan a project on their own. 

"In the project-based learning world, the most powerful core classes Mehta and Fine have seen take on the elements of extracurricular activities."

"As collaboration and project-based learning become preeminent ways of teaching and learning, many teachers struggle with how to evaluate these types of lessons. Traditional methods of evaluation, which have many flaws on their own, are not well-suited for interdisciplinary, multi-modal learning. Teachers need ideas for encouraging students, providing meaningful feedback, and setting students up for success."

"Project design/instruction customarily calls for beginning with the end of mind, or with what understandings we want students to walk away. However, there were times in which I found a "cool" tool that I just had to use with my students, and therefore I began "with the technology in mind.""

"my classroom simulates adulthood through immersive project-based learning. Students get jobs, manage personal and classroom finances, and manage complex relationships between clients and suppliers-all while trying to turn a profit. "

"Educators often talk about 21st-century skills and the benefits of incorporating communication, creativity, collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking into lessons. These are skills students rarely learn straight out of a textbook. The best way to teach them, we've found, is by making these skills a relevant part of their active lives."

"I've never been a big believer in teaching to a test. Indeed, since my first year in the classroom I've used a project-based model with my science and social studies classes."

"When involved in project-based learning, students collaborate and learn things by working together on an extended period of time that not only helps them gain knowledge but also helps them refine their real life skills such as collaboration and communication."

"I share the following list of 9 questions that every PBL'er asks him/herself along each school year's journey to stay in top-performance shape."