Project-Based Learning

Project Development Comparison Teacher presents facts and concepts. Students take notes and practice. Teacher gives a test to the students to assess learning. Teacher created project and rubric are given to students to complete. Universal theme or guiding question initiates project development Teachers and students design project to meet standards and assess learning Teachers and students acquire facts, develop knowledge and communicate results to a real life audience. Traditional: Project-Based Learning:

What doesn’t change? Standards Grade level Standard assessments Traditional tests Grades Direct instruction where appropriate Practice when needed

What is different? Teachers facilitate and assist students locate resources and learning targets. Learning is side by side—teacher and student. More collaboration between students More communication of learning More teacher collaboration and planning Project planning is day by day, not unit by unit. Planning needs to be responsive to the project. Standards Passport for student and teachers More grades in Webgrader

21 st Century Skills Collaboration – With students in our homeroom and other 6 th grade homerooms – Older and younger students – Students that do not attend Merton Communication – Presentations to students, staff and community – Blogs – Website articles – Interviewing mentors/experts – Contacting sources inside and outside Merton Problem Solving Creativity 21 st Century Fluencies 21 st Century Fluencies

Vertical Project-Based Learning Projects Mrs. McMahon (4K) Mrs. Shannon (5K) Mrs. Taylor (3 rd Grade) Mr. Reuter (6 th Grade) Mrs. Kasprowicz (6 th Grade) The above teachers have agreed to pilot a teacher evaluation piece with project-based learning where they will be evaluation on their use of 21 st Century Skills in their classroom.