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Hey guys,
I have been asked about how to implement PBL (project-based learning and problem-based learning) in the classroom.
Since this is a topic dear to me I figured to write a blog post explaining how I implemented in my classroom.
The first thing that we are going to do is define Project Based Learning and Problem Based Learning for they are similar but not equal.
Project Based Learning
Project Based Learning is when students work on a project over a period of time. Therefore, solving a real-world problem or answering a complex question and then they create a presentation for a real audience. This type of project covers multiple disciplines (usually integrates multiple standards in ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies). These are usually longer projects as it involves a presentation at the end.
These types of projects are engaging and contain deep content knowledge. They also develop critical thinking skills, creativity skills, and communication skills.
Problem Based Learning
During Problem Based Learning students will solve a problem over a short period of time. Usually, students will choose a topic and research how to fix the problem. Usually, this is a short-term project, the final product is the solution to the problem.
These types of projects are engaging and also contain deep content knowledge. They also develop critical thinking skills, creativity skills, and communication skills.
How do I apply PBL in my classroom?
There are several elements to consider when preparing a PBL. The first thing to consider is the topic.
The second is procedures in the classroom.
In this post, we will address a specific project and how I implemented in my classroom.
The first thing was the topic. I had to consider what will you use to hook my students?
I will share with you today one of my favorite projects while teaching 5th grade.
This career project was developed in collaboration with the science/math teacher and the guidance counselor.
This project contained a hook to engage students. For starters, students interviewed someone they knew about their careers. Students discovered what they did in that profession, what were the perks of that career, the average salary for the profession among other info. We used those interviews to invite members of the community (parents, uncles, cousins) to come to our classroom and talk about their careers. We even had a Hollywood actor speaking to our students over skype answering questions about their careers. We had state representatives, teachers, principals, business owners, medical professionals. The sky is the limit when inviting speakers. Reach out to people that you know, to people in the community, let them share with students.
For this specific project, we had given our speakers the same paper we gave our students so the speaker would present similarly to how our students would present. This allowed the speakers to be models for our students. Our students asked many questions of the speakers because of personal interests. This was the hook of our project.
Here is the Career Research Project PDF.
The content of the project
When creating a project you want to ensure that students are able to work on the project independently, the reason why you want to have a worksheet with the steps for students to get there. I will share mine with you today. I don’t have the rubrics attached, however, you can create your own rubrics to go along with your specific standards.
I tell the students I expect everyone to reach the top grade as the project is very specific and they have all the tools for success.
With all the information available to the students, I explain the project to the whole group, I have students with similar interests sit together, I am able to walk around and help students individually since they are all on task and engaged.
This type of project is great to conference with students and work on individual skills as needed. For example, if the student has an issue with spelling, I am able to sit with the student and help them create a list of frequent words used and create a reference chart to help that specific student.
I am able to conference with readers to identify the main idea of an article they read.
I was also able to create whole class minilessons on how to create powerpoints, how to create graphs using excel. Lessons on how to identify reliable articles on the internet.
Lessons on reading and identifying the main idea in an article and paraphrasing it. Lesson on how to give a live presentation. Lesson on how to write an opinion using facts to support the position.
Wrapping it up
After students worked hard on the research portion of their research it was time for students to create presentations. I created a skeleton template for my students with all the aspects needed to be covered on google drive and gave each student a copy. As students completed their research they were able to create a power point presentation.
Students created powerpoint posters and prepared a speech about their careers.
In order to present we placed tables all around the class and hallways and invited parents and other classes to visit our career fair. Students dressed and set up areas to talk to people about their careers.
They learned to modify their presentations to different audiences (parents vs a kindergarten classroom). The final project was a success.
After our project was completed students reflected on their projects on what could have been different. They also participated in career day which we contacted different colleges around the country to send resources for our students. During this event parents came to help, we divided the classroom into sections and students visited each section. Students used their income information to build a budget. They learned about different colleges that offer their career choice. They learned how to build a resume of skills. They learned to build a budget based on the average income of their careers.
They used their “income” to budget for cars, houses, meals.
As a final reward for the project, our students visited our local high school career center as well as our Pizza Hut for lunch.
One of the biggest rewards for my students was being able to dream about the possibilities and identify the steps needed to achieve their dreams.
Accommodations
These projects are great for all students. All my SPED, ELL students participated in the projects.
As an educator, it is my job to help all of my students. Through modifications and accommodations, I was able to ensure all students participated with success.
Resources:
The Buck Institute for Education is my go-to website for the latest information and resources for Project Based Teaching Practices. Visit their website www.bie.org
I have created a lesson plan template with ideas to help you create your own lessons. Check it out: Lesson Plans
Ok, guys, this is not everything but this is a start. Let me know what else you would like to know about PBL’s and how I can improve this post.
Thank you so much.
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Again thank you,
Raquel
