September 16, 2010

By: Shannon L. from San Diego, CA
Comments: 11

Posted By: Shannon Lewis
On: 11/22/2009 1:10:49 PM

This is a good article about schools embracing project based learning as a school culture. I thought there were very good points about integrating curriculum and starting small. I think this is key and working with CON this summer was the perfect catalyst to beginning at our school. https://www.eschoolnews.com/news/top-news/index.cfm?i=56962

Posted By: Gwynne Richards
On: 11/30/2009 11:04:30 PM

Shannon, Thanks for sharing the article. I agree with the statement, "You can't just turn kids loose on the project," Mergendoller says. "There has to be a defined set of benchmarks, check-ins with the teacher." Like with any well-developed unit of study, students need to be keenly aware of the skills and concepts they are working to master. However, I disagree with the author about how "the fluidity of this approach to learning also can discourage teachers from incorporating project-based learning into their curriculum, because it can be hard to ensure that all standards are being met--and tricky to recycle lessons from one year to another." I have found that too much "recycling" of lessons from year to year can lead to a bit of apathy on my part...probably because I think I know the lesson from top to bottom. Inevitably, my second year of teaching the same unit is always less effective than the first. I spend less time thinking about how I'm going to present it or what kinds of materials might best support the students in front of me. I guess I work better under some "spontaneity!" Gwynne Richards

Posted By: Heather Endres
On: 12/2/2009 6:45:30 AM

Shannon, this is a great article. I have been searching for more resources on how to bring more project based learning into my curriculum, and I continuously feel overwhelmed. Thank you for sharing this.

Posted By: Teresita Herrera
On: 12/5/2009 10:30:13 AM

This is a great article to lead teachers who are not accustomed to project-based learning in the right direction. While this type of learning can be overwhelming for some, the key is proper preparation, oversight, and constant feedback by the teacher. If not, it is complete chaos in the classroom, especially for a teacher with issues with classroom management. Also, it takes TIME and practice to learn proper project-based learning techniques. I'm at my 15th year teaching and I still get a bit concerned sometimes when things do go as planned. You just have to make sure you have a back up plan to fix the problems you encounter then bring the students back to attention and make sure they UNDERSTOOD what they have learned.

Posted By: Beatriz Alvarez
On: 12/9/2009 1:57:15 PM

Project-based learning has been a huge success in my classroom and this article addresses the exact points that will help teachers from being overwhlemed. It is important to change them up from time to time and reflcct on what did or didin't work in order to have a better outcome for the next time around. As teachers we too sometimes need a change of pace from the everyday lesson out of a book.

Posted By: Leonard Beqiraj
On: 12/13/2009 4:20:43 PM

Great article. I liked the point on schools coordinating more with outside organizations. It will make projects meaningful and motivating for students. Thanks for sharing.

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