Project Based Learning - Final Reflection
Backyard Nature
(1)
Project Based Learning (PBL) involves a very complex and time intensive planning process on the teacher's part. Having said that, the benefits of learning in an authentic environment and having students learn using real world problems will create a more exciting and meaningful experience for them. In order for teachers to be able to implement PBL in their classroom, support is needed from administration in the form of professional development, adequate planning time, and community backing. Without administrative support PBLs will probably not become the norm in a school.
Teacher planning, preparation, and organization prior to beginning the PBL project is key to the success of the project. The BIE Project Planner that was available throughout the course provided a good platform for designing my own PBL. Following the steps in the planner helped to make sense of the project design and made it possible to create my own PBL. Having such a thorough guide to work with, was a great example of how to use templates to guide inquiry. Without it I would have had no clue how to proceed.
Teachers need to be able to step back and give up some of their control in order to let the students learn independently and direct their own learning path. Because teachers are used to being in the role of leaders and information suppliers, it is a real challenge to do more coaching and observing. In PBLs, the majority of traditional teaching will be done when training students in the PBL process prior to beginning the project, which is extremely important to the success of the project. Mini-lessons in things such as Internet safety, research techniques, and other skills necessary to help the students be successful in the PBL will also require some teaching moments. Students will be in control of their own learning for most of the project, with the teacher taking on the role as consultant and adviser.
In order for Project Based Learning to be effective, it needs to be done across the curriculum and vertically throughout the grade levels. Students will not develop the skills necessary to be successful in a PBL environment unless they are immersed in the process throughout their education. Whole school participation would provide the greatest benefit to the students. This is why it is so important for administrations to be supportive and willing to provide the necessary professional development for all teachers.
What I understand least is how Project Based Learning will fit into the standardized testing environment of public education. Teachers are going to be hesitant to stray away from the traditional classroom teaching methods for fear of test scores going down. Another thing that I haven't quite figured out is how teaching with PBLs will prepare students for High School and College. Will they be prepared when they are put back into an environment where PBLs may not be used? How will SPED support have to change in order to ensure students reach their educational goals? Project Based Learning is going to require many changes throughout the the school. It needs to become the teaching norm in the school so that there is consistency in educational practices and expectations.
In this course I expected to learn about teaching through projects. I had no idea how involved Project Based Learning really was. This course helped me to understand how to make PBL a success in the classroom and the knowledge that I've gained has made me more comfortable in talking to people about integrating their curriculum into projects and pushing more toward a Project Based Learning environment. I also learned the steps in designing and organizing a PBL. This will help me to coach others in the process. As the Technology Integrator, I'm hoping that someone will team teach with me and that we can put together projects in each grade. Showcasing the projects, involving other teachers, and showing how engaged and excited the students are will help to bring other teachers on board with the concept of Project Based Learning.
What I understand least is how Project Based Learning will fit into the standardized testing environment of public education. Teachers are going to be hesitant to stray away from the traditional classroom teaching methods for fear of test scores going down. Another thing that I haven't quite figured out is how teaching with PBLs will prepare students for High School and College. Will they be prepared when they are put back into an environment where PBLs may not be used? How will SPED support have to change in order to ensure students reach their educational goals? Project Based Learning is going to require many changes throughout the the school. It needs to become the teaching norm in the school so that there is consistency in educational practices and expectations.
In this course I expected to learn about teaching through projects. I had no idea how involved Project Based Learning really was. This course helped me to understand how to make PBL a success in the classroom and the knowledge that I've gained has made me more comfortable in talking to people about integrating their curriculum into projects and pushing more toward a Project Based Learning environment. I also learned the steps in designing and organizing a PBL. This will help me to coach others in the process. As the Technology Integrator, I'm hoping that someone will team teach with me and that we can put together projects in each grade. Showcasing the projects, involving other teachers, and showing how engaged and excited the students are will help to bring other teachers on board with the concept of Project Based Learning.
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