Project-Based Learning

When thinking about assessments, we think of tests, quizzes, homework, worksheets and projects.  Projects used to be a “once in awhile” assignment, sometimes in partners or small groups, which was graded with a rubric or scoring tool.  Due to the time it took to complete, it was not the regular teaching method.  In recent years, there has been a lot of research into the benefits of project-based learning and the literacies that it develops.

Project-based learning (PBL) is defined as a teaching methodology that encourages students to gain the skills necessary so that they can solve a problem, investigate an engaging or complex question, or meet a challenge.  It fulfills standards, gives a real-world context to their learning, allows for self-reflection and continued revision, and is individualized to the needs, skills, and preferred learning of each student.  Differentiation is automatic with project-based learning!

My personal favorite part of project-based learning is when group members help each other with questions and answers as they work through their idea together.  With that said, it has its pros and cons:

Pros

Cons

differentiation and student choice student focuses on the skills they need to learn student uses their strengths to help group members collaboration critical thinking student voice is heard students practice social skills students use information, media and technology literacy skills students accept the idea that their first idea might not be the best and revise and refine their work throughout teacher is a guide to the students focus on feedback rather than grades final product has a global audience beyond the classroom

not all members of a group contribute equally absent students miss collaborative time miscommunications in a group dynamic teacher cannot be with every group at once time-consuming to complete and to grade

Project-based learning can support the best parts of hybrid or blended learning - a small amount of direct instruction that is supported with equal amounts of collaborative and independent work.

When deciding on project-based learning units, use this guide to help you decide if you are implementing it successfully.  Please also note that in many cases, technology is a helpful tool that will create these opportunities for your students, but it is only a tool and it is not always the best one.  Can you believe I said that?!  It’s true, though.  I love e-mail, but I also love hand-written notes.

As we saw in our last post, lots of teachers across the district are already using PBL and reaping the benefits of it:

• our gifted learners do a combined research and art project with Megan Munyat and Deanna Dincher
• our 8th grade ELA students design and advertise a new app idea during their propaganda unit with Pam Cooper and Jen Allen
• our AP History students created an infographic about the presidential candidates and their positions on a number of election topics, then created a screencast on it and published it to YouTube with Amy Swartz

For more information on project-based learning, check out these resources by Edutopia.

To brainstorm project ideas, see your librarian!