Project-Based Learning Research Review
Editor's Note: This article was originally written by Vanessa Vega, with subsequent updates made by the Edutopia staff. Studies have proven that when implemented well, project-based learning (PBL) can increase retention of content and improve students' attitudes towards learning, among other benefits. Edutopia's PBL research review explores the vast body of research on the topic and helps make sense of the results. In this series of five articles, learn how researchers define project-based learning, review some of the possible learning outcomes, get our recommendations of evidence-based components for successful PBL, learn about best practices across disciplines, find tips for avoiding pitfalls when implementing PBL programs, and dig in to a comprehensive annotated bibliography with links to all the studies and reports cited in these pages. What is Project-Based Learning? Learning Outcomes Keys to Project-Based Learning Success
The Differences Between Projects And Project-Based Learning
There’s a big difference between using projects in the classroom versus project-based learning in the classroom. What are those differences, you ask? Lucky for you, friEdTechnology (great name) whipped up this snazzy side-by-side comparison outlining the biggest differences. In the visual, they describe what ‘projects’ are and how they work in the classroom. For example, projects can be done at home without teacher guidance or team collaboration. They are based upon directions and the folks from friEd say they’re “done like last year” (curious if you agree with that or not!) On the flip side, Project-Based Learning is a fluid technique to enhance learning that really looks nothing like projects as they’re described below. As you can see, this is quite a slanted look at how projects are different from project-based learning but it’s interesting nonetheless.
We Don't Like "Projects"
So I recently quit my job and started my own school with the support of a local media company, the second largest school district in Iowa, and a groundswell of community interest. Our philosophy boils down to a fairly liberal project-based learning environment. As I began the marketing push to enroll students, I uncovered some frankly stunning assumptions that many students have about learning: The word "project" is not a happy word. I'm not complaining -- in fact, these assumptions are the reason that I struck out on my own in the first place -- but I was flat-out surprised by their ubiquity. Let’s break each assumption down. 1. The word "project" gets thrown around quite a bit and literally could mean any person, place or thing depending on who's doing the talking. In short, we seem to have students who believe that projects are for assessment purposes only. To appeal to the concreteness of most teenagers, we've begun sharing examples, workflows and projects with potential applicants.
Practical PBL Series: Design an Instructional Unit in Seven Phases
As a new teacher, I once believed that teaching and learning were one and the same. I taught, and the students learned. In creating a student-centered classroom, I began to embrace project-based learning. However, I did so in a very superficial way. I thought I had PBL nailed if my students did a presentation or poster at the end of an instructional unit. I enrolled in professional development courses, started a graduate degree, and collaborated with more experienced colleagues. In the spring of 2008, my colleagues and I were approached by a local university to participate in designing a project-based learning course. The Seven-Phase Model You can transform your classroom. To begin, ask yourself these questions: What instructional unit do I want to transform? Phase 1: Introducing the Driving Question The instructional unit must have a strong driving question. Phase 2: Introducing the Culminating Challenge Phase 3: Developing Subject Matter Expertise Phase 4: Doing the Culminating Challenge
JustinCrawford.co | Project Based Learning Ideas
BIE Tools – PBL Project Search – Here you will find a collection of 450 proven lesson plans to set any PBL desire into action. Look at the database found on the right hand side of the page. West Virginia PBL Project Data Base – This is a wonderful site where teachers can search through the subjects of reading, language arts, math, science, social studies, dance, visual arts, theater, and music. You can select from grade two all the way through grade twelve. These are PBL projects made by teachers for teachers! Learning Reviews – This website claims to connect kids to learning on the web. Here are more than 30 websites with free PBL examples, guidance, rubrics, and templates.
Get started with project-based learning - Support
Project-based learning emphasizes long-term, multidisciplinary assignments and activities that are student centered and focus on real-world problems and issues. The teacher serves more as a facilitator and assigns students tasks that need to be solved by conducting independent or group research. As a result, a project-based learning curriculum does the following: Addresses real-life issues A key to successful project-based learning is to assign projects that connect to real-life scenarios or topics relevant to the student. For example, take the time-honored student assignment of writing a state report. However, a teacher who uses project-based learning might approach this task from a different angle. Why use project-based learning in the classroom? Project-based learning encourages students to think analytically and incorporate current technologies in their assignments. Types of project-based learning frameworks Getting started with project-based learning
A Simple Comprehensive Guide on The use of Personal Learning Networks in Education
Personal Learning Networks, or PLNs, have been around for a long time. Originally they were your family, relatives and friends, or probably other educators and fellow teachers you work with in the same institution, but now and thanks to the development of web technologies and wireless connections, the concept of PLNs has been expanded to engulf people you have never met before in real world. Much of the learning nowadays takes place online and via a network of interconnected relations. PLNs are basically based on the concept of a learning community. Outline : What is a PLN ? What is a PLN ? Why PLNs in education ? So, why bother thinking about creating a PLN ? Benefits of PLNs in Education Here is a list of some of the pluses of PLNs in education as featured in Personal Learning Networks: Using the Power of Connections to Transform Education How can Teachers use PLNs ? Here are some of the ideas to help you leverage the power of PLNs in your classroom : Ways students can use PLNs 1- Ning
15 Tools For Better Project-Based Learning
Project-Based Learning is a 21st century approach to learning that acts both as a curriculum and instruction tool, as well as a new way for students to think about school. Rather than strictly academic lessons and units, real-world problems can be solved, and students gain experience with long-term management of the learning process, and the possibility of self-direction. Project-Based Learning allows naturally embedding of “school” in authentic environments whether those are digital or physical. It is a way of learning that is as much about the process as the project, allowing for the seamless integration of technology, and the inclusion of digital and social media to solve relevant personal and social challenges. A Simple Project-Based Learning Process The following apps and digital tools are built around a vastly over-simplified-but-you’ll-still-get-the-picture 4-step process: 1. 2. 3. 4. The technology serves the learning process itself. 1. Platform: iOS Price: Free 2. 3. 4. Price: $9.99
