Buck institute For Education
PBL is the result of 2 important developments:
1- Learning theory based on research (neuroscience and psychology)
Example of researched based brain theory: learning is a social activity (it takes place within the context of culture, community and past experiences)
Another example of researched based brain theory: learners construct solutions (this is shifting emphasis towards the learning process)
As I said, the first development was:
1- Learning theory based on research (neuroscience and psychology)
The second development is:
The need for education to adapt to a changing world.
PBL
PBL is a systematic teaching method that engages students in learning knowledge and skills through an extended inquiry process structured around complex, authentic, questions and carefully designed products and tasks.
The Buck Institute for Education
Successful projects have some common criteria:
1- Projects recognize students’ inherent drive to learn.
2- Projects put students at the center of the learning process
3- The project work is central to the curriculum
4- Projects lead students to in depth exploration of authentic and important topics
5- Projects use performance based assessments
6- Projects encourage collaboration
7- Projects are standards focused
8- projects require essential tools and skills (time management, technology and organizational skills)
PBL is not always the best:
Basic reading
Basic computation
However, PBL does provide an environment for the application of those skills.
PBL is good for:
It leads to higher-level cognitive development through engagement with complex problems
It teaches students complex processes and procedures like planning and communicating.
PBL can help you as a teachers to create high performing classrooms in which you and your students form powerful learning communities focused on achievement, self mastery and contribution to community.
To plan and implement successful PBL projects teachers need strong organizational and instructional skills:
to facilitate a process of learning that does not rely on the model of the student as an empty vessel which has to be filled
to create tasks and conditions under which student thinking can be revealed
to support and direct students
or conversely to let them struggle with a problem or information as they search out answers and solutions
to be a leader and manager as needed at different times
IMPORTANT TIP: You may want to start small!
There are 6 steps for planning a project you should always start with the end in mind:
1 Develop a Project Idea
From:
articles, current events, conversations, wonderment
use your standards
the Internet
match what people do in their daily work
map your community
tie the project to local or national event
focus on community service
The 2nd step decide the scope of the project:
duration (one topic/ standard or many)
breadth
technology
out reach (classroom or community)
partnership (1 teacher, many or the community)
audience (classroom/school/expert panel)
How much student autonomy will you give to your students?
Most teachers introduce student autonomy in stages. Start with less and as their skills develop give them more.
Teachers have to decide: How much you want your students to be involved in the design of the project.