1. Project Based Learning
Westport 101
Project Based Learning

2. What is Westport 101?
Intervention and extension class in addition to your 4 core content classes
Generally taught Tues-Fri (Mon is advisory)
Keep a group of students 4 weeks

3. Table Discussion and Share
What are some things you LIKED when you taught an intervention/extension class (Westport 101 or otherwise)?
What were some things you STRUGGLED WITH when you taught an intervention/extension class (Westport 101 or otherwise)?

4. Westport 101 Focus
Project based learning
Content literacy

5. What is project based learning?
Project Based Learning is a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to an engaging and complex question, problem, or challenge.
PBL Overview

6. Benefits of Project Based Learning
Academic Achievement
21st Century Competencies
Equity
Motivation
Teacher Satisfaction

7. Academic Achievement
Students learning through PBL retain content longer and have a deeper understanding of what they are learning. (Penuel & Means, 2000; Stepien, Gallagher & Workman, 1993)
In specific content areas, PBL has been shown to be more effective than traditional methods for teaching math, economics, language, science, and other disciplines. (Beckett & Miller, 2006; Boaler, 2002; Finkelstein et al., 2010; Greier et al., 2008; Mergendoller, Maxwell, & Bellisimo, 2006)
On high-stakes tests, PBL students perform as well or better than traditionally taught students. (Parker et al., 2011)

8. 21st Century Competencies
Students demonstrate better problem-solving skills in PBL than in more traditional classes and are able to apply what they learn to real-life situations. (Finkelstein et al., 2010)
When teachers are trained in PBL methods, they devote more class time to teaching 21st century skills; their students perform at least as well on standardized tests as students engaged in traditional instruction. (Hixson, Ravitz, & Whisman, 2012)
PBL students also show improved critical thinking. (Beckett & Miller, 2006; Horan, Lavaroni, & Beldon, 1996; Mergendoller, Maxwell, & Bellisimo, 2006; Tretten & Zachariou, 1995)
Through PBL experiences, students improve their ability to work collaboratively and resolve conflicts. (Beckett & Miller; ChanLin, 2008)
Opportunities for collaborative learning provide benefits to students across grade levels, academic subjects, and achievement levels. (Johnson & Johnson, 2009; Slavin, 1996)

9. Equity
PBL shows promise as a strategy for closing the achievement gap by engaging lower- achieving students. (Boaler, 2002; Penuel & Means, 2000)
PBL can work in different types of schools, serving diverse learners. (Hixson, Ravitz, & Whisman, 2012)
PBL also can provide an effective model for whole-school reform. (National Clearinghouse for Comprehensive School Reform, 2004; Newmann & Wehlage, 1995; Ravitz, 2008)

10. Motivation
In PBL classrooms, students demonstrate improved attitudes toward learning. They exhibit more engagement, are more self-reliant, and have better attendance than in more traditional settings. (Thomas, 2000; Walker & Leary, 2009)

11. Teacher Satisfaction
Teachers may need time and professional development to become familiar with PBL methods, but those who make this shift in classroom practice report increased job satisfaction.(Hixson, Ravitz, & Whisman, 2012; Strobel & van Barneveld, 2009)

12. PBL Implementation
Each teacher will implement 2 units for the year during Westport 101.
Each unit will be 15 lessons long.
Teachers will teach their first PBL unit the entire 1st semester as group’s rotate every 4 weeks.
The 16th day of Westport 101 is set aside for Town Hall meetings.
The Westport 101 committee members created the first unit for you.
PLC’s will work together during 1st semester to create a 2nd unit.
NOTE: Math is not doing PBL.

13. Unit 1 Problems/Questions
Science
Social Studies
Language Arts
6th
How can we analyze weather in one part of the United States to predict weather in another part? Why does the weather vary so much across our nation?
How does geography effect economic activities globally?
Jordan providing…..
7th
Are viruses living?
How should I manage my money?
8th
Do you think people's actions are causing global warming?
How do communities solve scarcity?

14. Table and Share
What are some things you thing we need to consider when planning a PBL unit?

15. PBL Planning Tool
Look over the tool and rubric, what sticks out to you?
Key Knowledge Understanding & Success
Challenging Problem or Question
Sustained Inquiry
Authenticity
Student Voice & Choice
Reflection
Critique & Revision
Public Product

16. Key Knowledge Understanding & Success

17. Challenging Problem or Question

18. Sustained Inquiry

19. Authenticity

20. Student Voice & Choice

21. Reflection

22. Critique & Revision

23. Public Product

24. Additional Resources http://bie.org/
Exemplar PBL:

25. Literacy Considerations
Within each unit, you will see lessons/activities that support content literacy.
For example, a current event article that students read and complete a graphic organizer that help students determine the main ideas.
Make sure you are embedding literacy as you plan your 2nd unit.

26. Next Steps Meet with your content PLC to review your first unit
Review planning tool for your first unit
Compare the tool to the rubric: Is it EFFECTIVE for all parts of the rubric?
Is content literacy embedded effectively throughout the unit?
Make any changes that you feel are needed—NOTE: PLEASE CONTINUE TO REFLECT AND TWEAK WITH YOUR PLC AS YOU TEACH AND MAKE TWEEKS AS NEEDED.
Review lessons (sustained inquiry) in detail: Is everyone in your PLC comfortable with implementing the unit?
Brainstorm ideas for your 2nd PBL unit