L. Ullah Project Based Learning Linda Ullah, M.A., M.Ed. Support Coach--Friday Institute Online Instructor--Foothill College

Life Is Project Based Learning

But where is the disconnect between life and school?

Learning: an active process in which students construct new ideas or concepts based on their current knowledge.

PBL engages students provides an environment for the acquisition of skills needed in higher education & workplace. teaches curricular content builds 21st Century Skills creates habits of mind promotes critical thinking -Drake High School, San Francisco, CA s/academics/pbl/pblfs.htm s/academics/pbl/pblfs.htm

Six As of Project Based Learning Authenticity Academic Rigor Applied Learning Academic Exploration Adult Connection Assessment Practices From Buck Institute Web site

Another Way to Look at What is PBL Buck Institute for Education: Content Conditions Activities Results

Content: Compelling Complex problems Interdisciplinary connections Ambiguity and unpredictability Real-world questions that students care about Buck Institute for Education:

Conditions: Support student autonomy Community of inquiry Coursework in a social context Task- and time-management Self-directed students Simulates the professional work Buck Institute for Education:

Activities: Investigative and engaging Multi-faceted investigations over time Encounter obstacles, seek resources, and solving problems Making connections among ideas and acquiring new skills Authentic tools Feedback from expert sources and realistic assessment Buck Institute for Education:

Results Real-world outcomes Complex intellectual products to demonstrate learning Students participate in assessment Students held accountable for competence Students exhibit growth in real-world competence Buck Institute for Education:

How Do I Begin? Planning Begin with an “Essential Question” Important to your students Deep learning--the enduring understanding What are the necessary skills? Standards (NCSOS) Prerequisite knowledge and skills Skills and knowledge to to be embedded into the project

Engage Students in problem solving in higher order thinking skills in critical thinking in habits of mind in 21st Century skills to solve real problems for a real audience

The Backwards Planning Process McTighe J, Wiggins G (op cit)

Assessment McTighe J, Wiggins G (op cit)

3 Stages of a Project Beginning (pre-production) Middle (production) End (post-production)

Pre-Production Project launch (Entry Document) Understanding the problem KWL Terminology Organizing groups Direct instruction Discussions Research/outlines Drafts, storyboards Guest speakers Videos

Production Completing research Formative assessments Direct Instruction Tests/quizzes Final drafts Creating product Workshops Field trips Guest speakers

Post-production Editing Completing projects Presentations Displays Productions/Debates Final Tests/Assessments Reflection

PBL Process