PBL : A Great Teaching Method for The 21st century Classroom

Let me start this article with what Obama says in a speech at the Center for American Progress : “ Let’s be clear — we are failing too many of our children. We’re sending them out into a 21st century economy by sending them through the doors of 20th century schools.” This is a true statement issued from the lips of a political person rather than an educator. There is a huge need for a total reformation of school systems and curriculums to better fit in the 21st century education. Today, however, I am introducing you to a teaching ,or better say, instructional method that is called Project Based Learning. Project Based Learning or PBL in short is “ an instructional approach built upon authentic learning activities that engage student interest and motivation. Projects and activities are the keys to a better understanding of PBL. Some features of PBL Check out these links to learn more about PBL You can also watch this video, it is great

150 Teaching Methods | The Center for Teaching and Learning | UNC Charlotte Lecture by teacher (and what else can you do!) Class discussion conducted by teacher (and what else!) Recitation oral questions by teacher answered orally by students (then what!) Discussion groups conducted by selected student chairpersons (yes, and what else!) Attachment: 150 Teaching Methods [PDF, 33 KB]

NETTB2-excerpt.pdf Revolutionary New Technology + Old Teaching Methods = In a recent post on her blog, Duke's Cathy Davidson responds to a New York Times article on the increasing popularity of iPads in schools, arguing that iPads, or any technology, aren't a panacea for education. To support her point, Davidson tells the story of how, when she was a Vice Provost at Duke, she helped create a program that gave iPods to incoming freshman. However, she points out that these students weren't simply given the new music player and expected to carry on as if everything were the same -- that is, as if they were given a textbook or pencil -- but were instead asked to become educational innovators themselves. Davidson and her colleagues wanted the students to play with these new iPods and, through this play, to show how the educational experience could be transformed by using this new technology. The program, which began when there was no iTunes store and podcasting had yet to become a widespread practice, was extraordinarily successful.

Instructional Technology | Learning Style | Teaching Methods Definition Instructional technology is just what it sounds like: using computers, CD-ROMs, interactive media, modems, satellites, teleconferencing, and other technological means to support learning. Discussion Some educators believe the use of interactive, computer-based technology is crucial to improving classroom learning. How Instructional Technology Affects Learning Curriculum–Advanced technology has the potential to significantly expand the breadth and depth of the curriculum. Instruction–Advanced technology could significantly affect the role of teachers, as well as the structure of schools and classrooms. Assessment–Instructional technology will focus more and more on building feedback loops directly into the learning process. Reading Lewis J.