Innovative Strategies in Higher Education: Let the Students Take Center Stage! Jeanne Godin, Nathalie Poirier and Cynthia Caron AAFCS, June 28,2017 Dallas, Texas

literature What? Project based learning Why? Advantages Critical reflection How? Agent of change Results literature

Project Based Learning Is an instructional model based on having students confront real world issues and problems that they find meaningful, determine how to address them, and then act in a collaborative fashion to create problem solutions. Bender, 2012 p. 1 Although research shows that project-based learning is an effective and engaging practice in constructing knowledge in school settings (Krauss 2013; Bender, 2012), it has not been extensively used in higher education (Helle, Tynjala, & Olkinuora 2006).

Project Based Learning (PBL) Teaching approach which allows students to create projects that are self-directed, authentic, and contribute to the well-being and empowerment of the community. Godin, inspired by FCS values . Although research shows that project-based learning is an effective and engaging practice in constructing knowledge in school settings (Krauss 2013; Bender, 2012), it has not been extensively used in higher education (Helle, Tynjala, & Olkinuora 2006).

Defining features (Thomas 2000) Central to the curriculum Authentic, realistic content Active and cooperative learning Constructive investigations Critical reflection Culminates in realistic products or presentation

Students’ perspective: Active participants Interesting for us to pick our subject Motivated to work on it

What? Project based learning Why? Advantages Critical reflection How? Agent of change Results

Advantages (Bender, 2012) Increased student motivation and interest in completing the work that is required Increased engagement with the learning content Higher levels of critical thinking and retention 4.27 minutes on task in a science instruction 45 minute class

Students’ perspective: High motivation for providing accurate information The cause is important

Critical reflection How to buy: A house A car Life-insurance How to get a credit card Make-up Agent for change : Housing needs Transportation options Family needs for insurance Broad concepts As she analysed the content of the course and the values and assumptions it carries and reflected upon her way of teaching, she acknowledge that she still follow the “how-to-do-it rules” of the Home Economics philosophy deplored by Brown (1984). Broad concepts are larger, more encompassing and have enduring value beyond the classroom. They also help teach the whole rather than the parts. The original concept of the project was to have students strengthen their theoretical knowledge by studying more deeply a topic related to one of the themes presented in class. Through project-based learning the focus of this project is to analyse and critique a current social issue affecting individual and/or family finances and to lead the students to concrete positive action in the community. D Before PBL After PBL

What? Project based learning Why? Advantages Critical reflection How? Agent of change Results

Agent of change Identify topics of interest Groups or individual projects Planning and researching Interviews with experts or stakeholders Learning activity Reflective evaluation

Students’ perspective: Results

The Financial situation of low income single mothers Martine, Nathalie et Symone

Expert interviewed : Credit Union Financial advisor Mets few single mothers Budget Priorities No training Specializes in mortgage Few are home owners

Cost of living in Moncton

Activity Aim :To inform professionnels working with single mothers.

Publicity and the consumer Cynthia Caron

Activity https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYwTbtezYmI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqBUrCWyH7Q https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKOBgmhZlqk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EwGwC8Vi5II

References Bender, W.N. (2012). Project-based learning: differentiating instruction for the 21th century. Thousand Oaks: Corwin. Thomas, J. W. (2000). A review of research on project-based learning. Available at: http://www.bobpearlman.org/BestPractices/PBL_ Research.pdf West, J.J. & Simmons, D. (2012). Preparing Hispanic students for the real world: Benefits of problem-based service learning projects. Journal of Hispanic Higher Education. 11(2), 123-135

Thank you very much! Questions or comments?