Project Based Learning at Island View School Originally presented at the School District 8 Principals’ Meeting, January 19, 2011 by John Sheehan, Erin O’Neill, Susan Brillant

N.B. Student Survey* 61% reported that most of class time was used to sit and listen to the teacher 43% reported that they were taught things they already knew Only 42% felt that they were inspired to learn in school Only 39% felt that it was important to do well in school *Slide adapted from presentation by Ruth Wilson, NB Department of Education.

1 Knowledge in one discipline 2 Apply knowledge in one discipline 3 Apply knowledge across disciplines 4 Apply knowledge to real-world predictable situations 5 Apply knowledge to real-world unpredictable situations A Acquisition Low Rigour/Low Relevance B Application Low Rigour/High Relevance C Assimilation High Rigour/Low Relevance D Adaptation High Rigour/High Relevance Rigour/Relevance Framework* Creating 6 Evaluating 5 Analyzing 4 Applying 3 Understanding 2 Memorizing 1 Bloom’s Taxonomy *Slide adapted from presentation by Ruth Wilson, NB Department of Education.

Quadrant A – Acquisition* Recall or awareness of basic knowledge. Students gather and store bits of knowledge and information that they are generally expected to remember and understand. Low rigour/low relevance For example:  Memorizing the names of provinces  Memorizing the types of rocks and minerals  Memorizing multiplication facts *Slide adapted from presentation by Ruth Wilson, NB Department of Education.

Quadrant D – Adaptation* Learning experiences are high in rigour and relevance, complex (multi- disciplinary), creative, and require unique solutions to unpredictable problems. High rigour/high relevance For example: Create plans for a new school playground Develop and lead an aerobic exercise program for common PE classes. Write and publish a guide that other schools could use. Devise a sound nutritional plan for picky eaters Organize, implement and promote fundraisers for Haiti earthquake victims Propose solutions to community flooding problems *Slide adapted from presentation by Ruth Wilson, NB Department of Education.

“Children become better problem solvers in direct relation to the opportunities they have to solve problems and to reflect on what works and what doesn’t. Real-world problems do not come neatly packaged with predictable, easy-to-solve answers, so we need to provide students with experience in grappling with problems that mirror the world beyond school.” ~Willard Daggett Rigour/Relevance and Project Based Learning

Project-based Learning Students are at the center of the learning process. Driven by real world questions, problems or challenges. 21st century skills -communication, collaboration, creativity, problem solving, citizenship. Students work with peers, experts, and other community members. Students mirror the work of experts.

Project-based Learning Authentic, real-world connections – rigorous, relevant problem solving tasks. Students demonstrate knowledge and skills through a variety of products or performances. Cross curricular learning Technology that supports and enhances student learning. Improved student achievement.

“Doing Projects”Project Based Learning Enjoyable; “hands-on” learningEngaging; “heads-on” learning Focused on theme, concept, time period, novel, topic, culture, chapter Driving question, problem or challenge Curricular add-on (dessert)Project organizes curriculum & instruction (main course) Assessment of productAssessment of product and process School world work product and assessment Real world work products and assessment involving community Individual or groupTeam ContentContent, competencies, and habits of mind “Doing Projects” vs Project Based Learning

From Worms to Wall Street What do schools immersed in project based learning look like? Five year olds pilot their own project learning

PBL Resources

Project Based Learning – not a new concept

Group Discussions How might you integrate Project Based Learning across the curriculum - with the Daily 5, Math, Science, etc.? What are some examples of projects you have already undertaken that could be expanded to promote 21 st century learning? (Math, Literacy, Science – Creative Thinking, Problem solving, Communication, Collaboration, Global Citizenship)