1. Project-Based Learning “Tell Me and I forget, show me and I remember, involve me and I understand”

2. Key Components of Effective Project-Based Learning Driving questions that lead students to encounter central concepts Driving questions that lead students to encounter central concepts Investigations that involve inquiry and knowledge building Investigations that involve inquiry and knowledge building Processes that are student driven, rather than teacher driven Processes that are student driven, rather than teacher driven Sufficient attention to students’ point of view Sufficient attention to students’ point of view Authentic problems that people care about in the real world Authentic problems that people care about in the real world

3. Project-Based Learning Jargon Project- Based Learning Collaborative Learning Interdisciplinary Authentic Learning Student-Driven Problem-Solving Decision-making Problem-Based Design-Based Use of Technology

4. Newsome park: Worms, Pets, and Plants Star in Projects www.edutopia.org www.edutopia.org www.edutopia.org Video

5. Conditions that need to be met for schools to embrace project-based learning Teachers are not forcing learning on the students, but rather encouraging students to approach learning themselves An accountability system that monitors the students (a check in type of system) Allowing students the flexibility to be in charge of their learning Teachers need to start small to incorporate project-based learning instruction into the curriculum Teachers need to let go of control in order for students to take ownership of their learning

6. Your Turn Think of a topic in your curriculum that you have taught in the past or currently, that does or could foster: Think of a topic in your curriculum that you have taught in the past or currently, that does or could foster: 1. Inquiry and/or problem learning 2. Collaboration 3. Technology integration – mode for student learning as well as to assist for final project presentation 4. Authentic learning 5. Interdisciplinary

7. Mapping out Your Project Handouts: Handouts: East Penn School District “Integrated Project- Based Learning Planning Template” (can also be found on the intranet) East Penn School District “Integrated Project- Based Learning Planning Template” (can also be found on the intranet) A sample project planning form A sample project planning form

8. Challenges of Project-Based Learning Pressure to cover curriculum Pressure to cover curriculum “breadth versus depth” “breadth versus depth” Time and a Community for needed extended inquiry Time and a Community for needed extended inquiry Teacher skill and development in managing multiple activities Teacher skill and development in managing multiple activities Teachers must have a large knowledge concept in order to model problem-solving strategies Teachers must have a large knowledge concept in order to model problem-solving strategies Assessment of learning Assessment of learning

9. Research Evidence shows that PBL promotes 21 st century skills Evidence shows that PBL promotes 21 st century skills Ability to work in teams Ability to work in teams Solve complex problems Solve complex problems Application of knowledge Application of knowledge Ability to meet deadlines Ability to meet deadlines Boaler (1997), noted that the students at the traditional school, “ the students found the work to be boring and tedious” (p. 63). She also noted that the students felt that to be successful in math was the ability to “remember and use rules” (p. 63). Boaler (1997), noted that the students at the traditional school, “ the students found the work to be boring and tedious” (p. 63). She also noted that the students felt that to be successful in math was the ability to “remember and use rules” (p. 63). On the other hand, Boaler (1997), explains that the students at the project-based learning school regarded math as “dynamic, flexible subject that involved exploration and thought” (p. 63). On the other hand, Boaler (1997), explains that the students at the project-based learning school regarded math as “dynamic, flexible subject that involved exploration and thought” (p. 63). Students are more successful when they are taught how to learn as well as what to learn Students are more successful when they are taught how to learn as well as what to learn

10. District Message Have Fun Have Fun Start Small – learning process over time Start Small – learning process over time Expand the minds of your students Expand the minds of your students Let administration know of idea – provide support – technology, materials, etc… Let administration know of idea – provide support – technology, materials, etc… District would like to have a project-based LIBRARY on the intranet as a source for all professional staff District would like to have a project-based LIBRARY on the intranet as a source for all professional staff

11. Sources www.edutopia.org www.edutopia.org www.edutopia.org www.pbl-online.org www.pbl-online.org www.pbl-online.org www.ted.org www.ted.org www.ted.org www.ali.apple.com/cbl/ www.ali.apple.com/cbl/ www.ali.apple.com/cbl/ http://eduscapes.com/topic43.htm http://eduscapes.com/topic43.htm http://eduscapes.com/topic43.htm http://ilearn.org http://ilearn.org http://ilearn.org Project-Based powerpoint on the intranet Project-Based powerpoint on the intranet

12. References butterfi, (2001, October 1). Newsome park: Worms, Pets, and Plants Star in Projects [Video File]. Video posted to http://www.edutopia.org/more-fun-barrel-worms butterfi, (2001, October 1). Newsome park: Worms, Pets, and Plants Star in Projects [Video File]. Video posted to http://www.edutopia.org/more-fun-barrel-worms http://www.edutopia.org/more-fun-barrel-worms Nastu, J. (2009, January). Project-based learning engages students, garners results. eSchool News (p 21-27). Nastu, J. (2009, January). Project-based learning engages students, garners results. eSchool News (p 21-27). Thomas, J. (2000, March). A review of research on project-based learning. Supported by the Autodesk Foundation Web site: http://www.autodesk.com/foundation. Thomas, J. (2000, March). A review of research on project-based learning. Supported by the Autodesk Foundation Web site: http://www.autodesk.com/foundation.