Project-based+Learning

"Project Based Learning is an instructional approach built upon authentic learning activities that engage student interest and motivation. These activities are designed to answer a question or solve a problem and generally reflect the types of learning and work people do in the everyday world outside the classroom." ([|www.pbl-online.org]) In project-based learning students are expected to delve deeper into the concept or area being explored. In a well designed project, students are creating their own knowledge and assuming responsibility for the direction they pursue. The teacher facilitates the process and guides students as they make decisions along the way. Project-based learning can be a powerful way to teach students 21 st century skills and content, and have them apply multiple intelligences. Because project-based learning often involves learning in collaborative settings, it is a compelling method for teaching communication, presentation, research, and organizational skills. In project-based learning, the teacher has the opportunity to create more authentic assessments tied to the development or design of the project, as well as the outcomes associated with its completion.

1. Online resource for project-based learning and some design tips or a structure for creating a project-based learning activity (2nd link) [|PBL-Online] [|Guidelines for Designing a Project]
 * RESOUIRCES for PBL:**

2. This website gives the teacher ideas on multi-cultural and interdisciplinary projects. It is worth browsing for some ideas, resources, and methods to use. [|Global Project-based Learning Resource List]

3. Project-based learning is the approach used at High Tech High School in CA. Check out the seven projects on their website. [|High Tech High]

4. This website (Edutopia) gives a good introduction to project-based learning and helps the teacher get started thinking about a project and how to implement it. Here is a brief description: "//Edutopia//'s Project-Based Learning teaching module is designed for either a two- to three-hour class or session or a one- to two-day workshop, and is divided into two parts." I would highly recommend going through this site step-by-step if you are interested in implementing PBL. [|Edutopia and PBL]

5. Here is an elementary school that embraces project-based learning for its students. Teachers in each grade, with the help of students, determine a project that interests them. The projects are implemented over a semester. They involve design, research, and implementation. These projects can be interdisciplinary or involve service-learning. The service-learning opportunities are very interesting. This video from Newsome Park Elementary in VA gives a good overview of the value of PBL. [|Newsome Park Elementary Worm Project]

6. Here is a wiki (Alabama Best Practices Center) that is devoted to project-baed learning. A possible resource site for those interested. Geared towards elementary and middle school. Wiki on PBL

7. This is an interesting project at Ariel Community Middle School in Chicago. Each class begins to manage a $20,000 portfolio of funds in the 6th grade. The 1/2 of the profits from their investments over the 3 year period are donated to charity and the other 1/2 is divided over the students in the class as part of their 8th grade project. The project was started by Rogers, the CEO of Ariel Capital Management, as a public-private partnership. Students' math scores have soared over the past few years. [|Ariel Community Middle School in Chicago]

8. The Buck Institute for Education, a non-profit organization that is devoted to exploring the principles of teaching and learning, has a website with a section devoted to project-based learning--overview, professional development, workshops, etc. Could be a good resource but would have to explore their reputation. [|Buck Institute for Education]

9. Why Teach With Project Learning?: Providing Students With a Well-Rounded Classroom Experience: This is a project-based learning experience in Seattle to Virginia. It introduces project-based learning as a technique to take students to learning environments that are less traditional than the normal classroom. This video looks at different programs and different schools to give you a good idea of what is possible. There is a link to the article as well as the video. [|Start with the Pyramid: Real-World Issues Motivate Students]