This document discusses how project-based learning (PBL) can help prepare ESOL students for the real world. PBL focuses on real-world problems and promotes using all four language skills. It engages students in learning how to learn while developing language skills. Benefits include teachers acting as coaches and students improving critical thinking. Challenges for teachers include time needed and maintaining order, while students must learn independence and coordination. The document provides an example of a PBL video and outlines the PBL process and tools to guide students through projects.

1. Prepare your ESOL Students
for the Real World with Project-
based Learning
Turn your classroom into an effective learning lab
CA Cruz, Ed D.
CREATE Opportunities, LLC
Portland, OR
March 2014

2. Today’s Session
Agenda:
žState of Adult Education- Three years at-a-glance
ž
žWhat ESOL instructors need to know to prepare their students
to transition out of ESOL classes
žWhy PBL?
ž
žWhat is project-based learning (PBL)
¡What are the positive outcomes for ESOL students
¡What are some of the challenges for the teacher
ž
žVideo-ESL Level 3-PBL Classroom Project
žOur DIY Project
Objectives:
1.Teachers will learn how to access student’s prior
knowledge as part of the PBL activity
●
2.Teachers will learn how to guide students through
their projects.
●
3.Teachers will learn how to evaluate and provide
useful feedback using rubrics
●
4.Teachers will practice developing a PBL activity
that integrates the four English language domain

3. ESOL Instructors need to prepare their
students to transition out of ESOL classes
¡Why PBL?
¡Project-based learning focuses on
real-world problems, issues,
contexts, & promotes use of all four
language modalities...
¢Collaborate on a plan, achieve
consensus & negotiate tasks
¢Contribute ideas, construct criticism
& assess progress
Source: Miller, S.F. (2010, July). CAELA Network Brief
Some of the most important
approaches in teaching and
learning
¡activate background knowledge
¡plan activities to provide relevant
context of topic
Source: Florida Department of Education, Office of
Multicultural Student Language Education

4. Your classroom leads to the future-
PBL aka-problem-based learning
• Been around since 1960s
• Engages language students in learning how to
learn while they also learn language in context
within the content of the topic
• Aligns with students using target language
BENEFITS:
• Teachers act as coaches or facilitators
• Students develop confidence, improve attitudes &
motivation toward learning
• Students improve critical thinking, problem
solving skills & gain transferable skills
Challenges for Teachers-
• Time consuming
• Classroom sometimes feels disorderly
• Students need continual support
• Empower students to direct own learning
• Provide feedback & evaluate each step of the
process
Challenges for Students-
• Requires time and effort
• Work independently or in group - must learn to
coordinate time to develop project outside of
class
• Learn to pay attention to all details when
developing a project

5. Teacher’s Role in PBL
• Introduce the problem/project
• Use question strategies
• Facilitate the process
• Build your knowledge, improve
your teaching practice
Source: Mathews-Aydinli, J. (April, 2007). Center for Adult
English Language Acquisition (CAELA)
PBL Process
1. Meet the problem
2. Explore the known & unknown
3. Generate possible solutions
4. Choose most viable solutions
Source: Purdue University, 2004, n.p.

6. PBL
Tools for Classroom Projects
Step 1-
• K-W-L Chart
• Research Guide
• Vocabulary Chart
Step 2 -
• Status Check Tool
Step 3 -
• Writing Template
• Speech Graphic
Organizer
Step 4-
• Outline Format

7. PBL Video
¡http://youtu.be/nxd85TTFbvI
The YouTube shows a Level 3 ESL classroom engaged in
the project-based learning process
A complete PBL Teacher Resource Packet is available on
CD at
www.createopportunities4u.com