1. The Independent Project

2. The Big Idea Effective PBL is a way for students to engage in a variety of skills and topics under one umbrella. Effective PBL is active and engaged learning. Effective PBL can be both independent and done in groups. Effective PBL is different from traditional learning. Effective PBL puts an emphasis on learning. Makes Learning Relevant to the “Real World”

3. Revolution not Reform Creating schools for the 21st Century requires less time looking in the rearview mirror and more vision anticipating the road ahead. Teaching has been an activity undertaken behind closed doors between moderately consenting participants. Technology enables students, teachers, and administrators to reach out beyond the school building. Innovative classrooms are not defined by fixed places but by their spirit of curiosity and collaboration among students, teachers, and others in a true learning community.

4. PBL is Also.... standards based. based on a question or a problem that students can answer. a concrete, hands-on experience. a way for students to investigate issues and topics. a way to foster abstract, intellectual tasks while exploring complex issues. a way for students to create solutions

5. The 6 A’s of Effective PBL Academic Rigor Authenticity Applied Learning Active Exploration Adult Connections Assessment Practices Steinberg, A. (1997) Real learning, real work: School to work as high school reform. New York: Routledge

6. The Research Suggests… …that students “obtain a deeper knowledge of the subjects they're studying”(http://www.edutopia.org/project-learning- introduction).http://www.edutopia.org/project-learning- introduction “…that students are more likely to retain the knowledge” Bruce Alberts, former president of theNational Academy of Sciences (NAS). "Project-based learning gives everybody a chance to sort of mimic what scientists do, and that's exciting. And it's fun if it's done well."National Academy of Sciences

7. Technology Applications Creates curiosity and collaboration among various communities. Create quickly Charts and graphs movies and videos Power Points Tie in to Social Media It can put students into contact with professionals and leaders in their fields. Enables all stake holders to reach out beyond the school building.

8. Smart phones, ipods and ipads have apps for everything but we cannot use them. Methods for publishing: Blogs, Videos, Discussions, Social Networking Real time data for real world problems is available but we are not utilizing it. Other countries are open for us to visit via technology but we are not visiting them. DIFFERENT TECHNOLOGIES

9. Question Start with the Essential question. Take a real-world topic and begin an in-depth investigation. Make sure it is relevant for your students.

10. Plan Plan which content standards will be addressed while answering the question. Involve students in the questioning, planning, and project-building process. Teacher and students brainstorm activities that support the inquiry.

11. Schedule and Monitor Teachers and students design a timeline for project components. Set benchmarks. Keep it simple and age-appropriate. You are a facilitator and mentor

12. Student Products Should Use logical patterns of organization to inform and persuade. Use electronic media to enhance presentations. Deliver multimedia presentations Combine text, images, and sound by incorporating information from a wide range of media, including film. Creative solutions and presentations enhance the “real world” applications.

13. Time Opportunity to provide the necessary professional development Turnover of committee members Lack of interest, apathy Scheduling Not sure what to focus on ROAD BLOCKS

14. Personal Stories Read two reports: Measuring Skills for the 21 st Century by Elena Silva, 2008, http://www.educationsector.org/usr_doc/MeasuringSkilss.pd f http://www.educationsector.org/usr_doc/MeasuringSkilss.pd f American Association of Colleges and Universities report: greater expectations; a Vision for Learning as a Nation Goes to College. National Panel Report, 2002, http://greaterexpectations.org/ Developed a Research Curriculum Really opened my eyes Went to an NCTE Conference Have attempted to conduct PBL at various times. Minimal success at best.

15. Resources Social Media Twitter #PBL Edutopia: A Great Advocate of PBL Edutopia Hightechhigh.org/projects http://www.Englishcompanin.ning.com http://www.classroom20.com/ http://mnyildiz.ning.com Media Literacy http://edupln.ning.com Personal Learning network for educators

16. Additional Resources High Tech High -- http://www.hightechhigh.org/ http://www.hightechhigh.org/ Buck Institute for Education http://www.bie.org/ http://www.bie.org/ Learning by Design: Projects and Practices at High Tech Middle – http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1443099 http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1443099