Session+5

=5.1 - Introduction to Project-Based Learning= media type="custom" key="9959115"


 * What opportunities for project-based learning currently exist in your department?
 * There are many opportunities for project-based learning in English, although they may look somewhat different from the types of projects featured in the Edutopia clip. I generally assign projects and compositions – both individual and group - that provide students with the opportunity to show what they have learned in a variety of ways. Some specific examples include original plays and video assignments, student-centered research projects, literature circles as well as lessons and even mini-units taught by groups of students themselves. Often, I involve students in developing project ideas and parameters. Many other teachers in the English Department do similar things. Most of my major assessments include some kind of presentation component, as well as a metacognitive reflection – both of which require students to do what the FAA Engineer commented on in the clip: “know what they’re about and know what they’ve learned.” The clip mentioned having real-world experts come in and work with students; this is something I would like to do more of in my classroom and in the English Department as a whole.


 * What opportunities does project based learning provide for our students?
 * Project based learning has the potential to empower students in a variety of ways. It is also highly motivating. Every year, I see previously disengaged students "come alive" when engaged in project-based learning. It makes what they are learning much more meaningful because the focus is on //applying// skills and //using// – not memorizing and regurgitating – new information. Additionally, project based learning holds students accountable in a way that goes beyond just earning a grade. Not only is it a superior way to retain course material, PBL provides students with the added bonus of skills, including critical thinking, communication and collaboration, that will help them enormously throughout their lives in the “real world.”


 * What potential weaknesses exist in this approach to education?
 * I think that elements of PBL could be used in most educational settings without many drawbacks at all. However, fully embracing all aspects of this approach could present some issues. For starters, it takes time and resources. I happen to believe that for the right project, spending the time is well worth it; however, the fact remains that we are always pressed for time and many teachers have material they are forced to cover in order to meet standards and prepare their students for exams, etc. This gets back to the breadth vs. depth issue, as well as what I identified as the disconnect between the best research-based educational practices (inquiry, project-based, etc.) and current high stakes, standardized tests. This is not to say that it is impossible to do both – embrace 21st century skills and get high test scores. In fact, I’d bet the two often go together. It’s just that the current tests are not the best way to assess these skills, and given their increasingly high stakes, teachers and students may focus too much on the test, at the expense of the skills all students need to be successful and engaged in 21st Century society. Hopefully with shifting Common Core standards, the two will be more in synch. I'd love to see portfolios and project-based // assessments // to measure student learning. I got a bit off track there, but I guess my main point is that I think project based learning is highly valuable and should be embraced despite its challenges

=5.4 The Use of Glogging=

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Glogster would be a very useful tool in my classroom. I have been thinking about incorporating it for a while, but never took the time to familiarize myself with it. Now that I have created my own glog (which, I should mention, was pretty fun) I feel confident introducing my students to the process. One thing that appeals to me is simply the chance to assign a "poster" while saving paper and avoiding the inevitable clutter and the question "what do I do with these now?" Also, it's free (although I could do without all the ads). More importantly, the multi-media features create opportunities to present information and discoveries in new, creative ways. Typical student projects and presentations may include posters, powerpoint, music, or film clips. This is a fantastic way to incorporate the best aspects of these media which, on their own, are often lacking.