1. True learning is based on discovery guided by mentoring rather than the transmission of knowledge John Dewey

2. Cooperative Learning: What the research shows
Academic Success
Higher achievement, including knowledge acquisition, accuracy, creativity in problem-solving and higher reasoning level.
Attitude Effects
Persistance toward goals, intrinsic motivation, applying learning in other situations, greater time spent on-task

3. What is Problem–Based Learning
PBL is an instructional method that challenges students to “learn to learn”, working cooperatively in groups to seek solutions to real-world problems
PBL prepares students to think critically and analytically and to find and use appropriate learning resources

4. What are the Common Features of PBL
Learning is initiated by a problem
Problems are based on complex, real-worl situations
All information needed to solve problem is not initially given
Students identify, find, and use appropriate resources
Students work in groups

5. PBL: The Process
Students are presented with a problem (or a variety of problems)
They organize ideas and previous knowledge
Students pose questions, defining what they know and what they don’t know
Students assign responsibility for questions, discuss resources
Students reconvene, explore newly learned information, refine questions

6. Problem Based Learning

7. Characteristics of Good PBL Projects
Relates to real-world, motivate students
Requires decision-making or judgments
Multiple stages
Designed for group setting
Initial questions are open-ended to encourage discussion
Incorporates course content objectives
Challenges higher-order thininking

8. “School should not be a preparation for life,
It should be life."
--Elbert Hubbard

9. BENEFITS OF COMMUNITY-BASED PROJECTS
                                                                              
"The philosophic aim of education must be to get each one out of his isolated class and into the one humanity."              Paul Goodman
BENEFITS OF COMMUNITY-BASED PROJECTS To
STUDENTS AND THE COMMUNITY

10. Community-Based Projects
Project-based or Problem-based Learning:
actively engages students
in their own learning;
provides an avenue for learning in context;
assists school to become relevant to student learning;
responds to different student abilities--linguistic, logical- mathematical; bodily- kinesthetic, music, spatial, interpersonal, intrapersonal
Community Involvement:
is central to the success of project-based learning;
allows students to meet real human needs;
encourage working cooperatively with people;
recognize other people as important resources;
provides a means for relevant student learning;
engages students in their own learning;
provides a stimulating and viable educational experience;
presents students with a range of choices and opportunities;
reduces the gap between school, community and the workplace.
OPTIMUM

11. WHAT RESOURCES DO TEACHERS NEED?
The most important resource for service learning is imagination.
Teachers must carefully revise their curriculum so that learning is experiential
Establish community partnerships; a critical element in successful service learning activities.
Students must help determine community needs.
Transportation to service sites, substitute teacher pay (if necessary) and recognition items for students (e.g., T-shirts, photos, project journals)

12. BENEFITS TO STUDENTS
16% of what they read 50% of what they read, hear, and see
70% of what they read hear, see, and personally experience
90% of what they read, hear, see, feel, and DO (Practice)

13. Motivation and self-esteem in students of all ability levels may be enhanced through opportunities to:  l
learn by doing
have skills recognized and appreciated by peers and adults in the community.
be part of a group completing positive, constructive projects
learn from adults regarding cultural pride, local history and career choices.
experience the connection between academic studies and real-life work and concerns.
build relationships with adults who take interest in individual students.
become resources for their families about available community services.

14. Career Exploration: Professional Skill Development
Opportunity to Explore Possible College Majors and Future Careers
Potential to Gain Professional Skills and Knowledge in Agency Settings
Build Valuable Experience to Enhance Resume and Employment Opportunities
Develop Personal and Career Skills While Being Mentored by Professionals

15. Personal Growth: Gain Critical Thinking, Interpersonal and Citizenship Skills
Develop Moral, Ethical, Civic, and Social Responsibility
Gain Empathy, Warmth and Multicultural Understanding for Others
Develop Critical Reasoning and Creative Thinking Skills by Real Problem-Solving
Foster a Desire for Lifelong Service to Our Global Society

16. Improve Self-Esteem, Enhance Self-Worth and Increase Personal Joy
By Actively Sharing Care and Love, Students Feel Worthy and Important to Others
Self-Reflection Leads to Enhanced Self-Awareness and Appreciation of Talents
Helping Others Brings Personal Joy and Increased Satisfaction to School Life
Service Allows Students to "Live Richer, More Rewarding and More Useful Lives"

17. Project-based learning through Community-based projects
is a teaching method that combines meaningful service to the community with curriculum-based learning. Critical to this type of learning is building in time for students to reflect on their experience. Reflection time helps students make the connection between classroom and community learning, and ensures they understand the extent to which they can impact positive change and solve problems.

18. BENEFITS TO THE COMMUNITY
Improve Community’s Understanding of Students
They can be Positive Role Models
That students have Idealistic, Positive, Enthusiastic Energies to Devote to those in Need
Links to the School Community to the Community at-large

19. BENEFITS TO YOU-THE TEACHER
Community-based Projects Provide Curriculum Enrichment
Enlarged Classroom; Enriched Learning Environment
Real Applications of Knowledge Deepen Understanding of Intellectual Concepts
Provides Opportunity to Gain Affective Knowledge and Interpersonal Communication Skills
Improves Student Motivation, Retention, and Satisfaction with Applied Learning

20. "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can
change the world;
indeed, it's the only
thing that has."
--Margaret Mead