1. Project-Based Learning (PBL) An Overview of the Graduation Project UNT in partnership with TEA, Copyright ©. All rights reserved.

2. What is project-based learning? An instructional strategy which: allows students to engage in real world research about a topic of interest to them requires independent study fosters 21 st century skills such as critical thinking, analysis, and synthesis UNT in partnership with TEA, Copyright ©. All rights reserved.

3. Project-based learning (PBL): Completed over time Real world focused Rigorous & relevant Builds on the student’s strength Incorporates multiple components UNT in partnership with TEA, Copyright ©. All rights reserved.

4. More schools are now actually requiring a graduation project. UNT in partnership with TEA, Copyright ©. All rights reserved.

5. Is project-based learning occurring in YOUR classes? UNT in partnership with TEA, Copyright ©. All rights reserved.

6. What is the graduation project? Project-based learning Completed over time Multiple components Due during senior year UNT in partnership with TEA, Copyright ©. All rights reserved.

7. What are the components of the graduation project? Research Paper Portfolio Product Presentation UNT in partnership with TEA, Copyright ©. All rights reserved.

8. Research Paper Demonstrates proficiency in conducting research and in writing. Thesis is proven or disproven by the student based on research. UNT in partnership with TEA, Copyright ©. All rights reserved.

9. Portfolio Reflects the project from the beginning and documents process and progress Suggested documents to include may be: –Approval forms –Logs –Consent forms –Journals UNT in partnership with TEA, Copyright ©. All rights reserved.

10. Product Relates to the student’s research Reflects how the newly acquired knowledge can be applied UNT in partnership with TEA, Copyright ©. All rights reserved.

11. Product Possibilities Models Displays Charts Games Performances Booklets Athletic demonstrations Culinary creations Logged time on apprenticeships, internships & service learning UNT in partnership with TEA, Copyright ©. All rights reserved.

12. Presentation Oral presentation to a panel of judges -analysis of the project includes successes, failures, and a reflection of self-growth Impromptu questioning from the judges UNT in partnership with TEA, Copyright ©. All rights reserved.

13. What timeline is common for graduation projects? 9 th grade – general information, improve organizational skills 10 th grade – topic selection, product plan, improve research skills, begin research UNT in partnership with TEA, Copyright ©. All rights reserved.

14. What timeline is common for graduation projects? (cont.) 11 th grade – complete research, begin research paper, work on product and portfolio 12 th grade – complete paper, product, portfolio; deliver oral presentation UNT in partnership with TEA, Copyright ©. All rights reserved.

15. Getting started on this type of project… In general, the steps in planning for PBL are: 1.Determine project goals 2.Identify tasks, activities, and resources 3.List tasks in sequential order 4.Develop timeline 5.Assign responsibilities (crucial when working in team/group) UNT in partnership with TEA, Copyright ©. All rights reserved.

16. Graduation projects can be an extension of any discipline or specific interest of the student. UNT in partnership with TEA, Copyright ©. All rights reserved.

17. What are the responsibilities of the school? Schools must: create an environment that is supportive communicate effectively with students and parents, and encourage participation from ALL faculty. UNT in partnership with TEA, Copyright ©. All rights reserved.

18. What are the responsibilities of the school faculty? -To be supportive and participate in one of the following manners: Coordinator – school liaison Steering Committee – leadership team Advisory Board – troubleshooters Coach, Advisor – student guide Community Coordinator – business volunteer recruiter UNT in partnership with TEA, Copyright ©. All rights reserved.

19. What are the responsibilities of members of the business community? -To serve as mentors and offer resources A community mentor should: Be an expert in student’s topic Provide feedback to student Enhance student success The business community may also: Serve as judges or review panel participants Evaluate portfolios and presentations UNT in partnership with TEA, Copyright ©. All rights reserved.

20. What are the responsibilities of the students? Follow procedures Seek/obtain approvals Meet timelines Demonstrate competency/proficiency Adhere to ethical standards UNT in partnership with TEA, Copyright ©. All rights reserved.

21. Do the parents have specific responsibilities? Participate in school awareness sessions Access information via available resources Support child(ren) Volunteer UNT in partnership with TEA, Copyright ©. All rights reserved.

22. What skills will the student need to use? Critical thinking Analysis Computer skills Information retrieval Problem solving Self-directed learning Synthesize information Teamwork Creativity Communication Collaboration Reflection Active listening UNT in partnership with TEA, Copyright ©. All rights reserved.

23. What should be considered when choosing a topic? 1.Academic standards and project guidelines 2.Potential for self-growth (learning stretch) 3.Essential question 4.Career interest 5.Cost 6.Broad enough to be researched, narrow enough for depth UNT in partnership with TEA, Copyright ©. All rights reserved.

24. What are some examples of topics ? Using robotics to create virtual worlds Investigating a local business’s data network plan Exploring architecture of various computer systems Effect of internet use on the music industry Encouraging the use of community recycling Documenting the life of a WWII veteran UNT in partnership with TEA, Copyright ©. All rights reserved.

25. How does the product relate to the topic chosen? TopicEffect of internet use on the music industry Product idea Produce a documentary from a series of interviews of professionals in the recording industry UNT in partnership with TEA, Copyright ©. All rights reserved.

26. How does the product relate to the topic chosen? (cont.) TopicEncouraging the use of community recycling Product idea Develop and implement a community awareness campaign for a specific community UNT in partnership with TEA, Copyright ©. All rights reserved.

27. How does the product relate to the topic chosen? (cont.) TopicDocumenting the military experiences of a WWII veteran Product idea Create a short story about life as a WWII soldier UNT in partnership with TEA, Copyright ©. All rights reserved.

28. What are the benefits of having students complete a graduation project? UNT in partnership with TEA, Copyright ©. All rights reserved.

29. Student Benefits Promotes practice of skills necessary to be successful in workforce and in life Engages student in learning Facilitates a learning stretch Provides opportunities to make real world connections Builds confidence and self-esteem UNT in partnership with TEA, Copyright ©. All rights reserved.

30. Educator Benefits Helps teachers make connections with business people in work environments Validates required knowledge and skills necessary in the 21 st century Connects academics to real world application Promotes career awareness UNT in partnership with TEA, Copyright ©. All rights reserved.

31. Business/Community Benefits Promotes career awareness Influences potential employees Gives employees opportunities for leadership outside of day-to-day office activities Demonstrates value of community service by upper management Provides opportunities for employee recognition UNT in partnership with TEA, Copyright ©. All rights reserved.

32. The graduation project is the vehicle! UNT in partnership with TEA, Copyright ©. All rights reserved.

33. Web Resources www.ncpublicschools.org/graduationproject/ www.watauga.k12.nc.us/graduation_project http://pblmm.k12.ca.us/PBLGuide www.gsn.org/web/pbl www.awedtabor.org/Graduation%20Project.htm www.warwick.k12.pa.us/orgmodule.php?deptid=0&s choolid=0006&mid=21www.warwick.k12.pa.us/orgmodule.php?deptid=0&s choolid=0006&mid=21 www.publicschoolreview.com/articles/50 UNT in partnership with TEA, Copyright ©. All rights reserved.