Project-Based Learning Can Promote Positive Behavior Kerry Bresslin Gannon University

Statement of the Problem Increase in the amount of discipline referrals – 5 th grade lecture-based class “Character Building”

Review of Literature Summary: – Project-Based Learning World problems capture students' interest and provoke serious thinking as the students acquire and apply new knowledge in a problem-solving context. Benefits to PBL are that there is increased attendance, growth in self-reliance and improved attitudes toward learning – Important that the project has a real world connection

Pre-Data

Resolve the Problem Project-Based Learning – Character Building classroom. Students were presented with the six pillars of Character Building through a PowerPoint presentation They were split into groups and completed a project about “Citizenship.” – The focus of the pillar was on “School Spirit.” The students created posters, personal objects for each player and a banner for the fall sports and activities.

Post-Data

Hypothesis The researcher believes the implementation of the action plan will result in a 30% decrease in the amount of discipline referrals.

Results The researcher witnessed a 35% decrease in the amount of discipline referrals issued to the 12 students.

Conclusions The hypothesis was not proven because it is not reasonable to assume that the action plan is correlated to the significant drop in discipline referrals. – Study being limited to a three week time period plays a vital role. – 6 th grade teachers Strongly believe the transition from fifth grade to sixth grade plays a vital role. Discipline Referrals were not given to the students as frequently as they should have been when the students were in fifth grade. – Student 10 and Student 3