Sunday, April 26, 2009

Project Based Learning

One of the concepts brought up this week was that of Project Based Learning. This concept has been brought up in previous classes, but it is an emphasis of the course that I'm currently taking. Mainly, it's the focus of projects (I'm sure you were able to figure that one out...) in the class, and connecting standards to these projects. It's merits are strong; the student becomes embedded in a situation that exists out of the classroom. It's not a problem found only in a textbook. It's out there, and solutions need to be created. As mentioned in the definition online, it creates higher interest levels for the kids because they see the real-life connections to it. It has purpose and meaning. That can't be said of all assignments that the kids currently do.

Will I use it in the class? Sure. I think there's a lot to be said about its effect on my students. These projects can be something for the students to springboard on to bigger and better things in their future. It could trigger motivations that previously did not exist. Most importantly, it could solve a problem that our society faces.

SOOOOOOO, what's the catch? For one, you have to really, and I mean REALLY, be flexible with your teaching abilities. The reality is that discussion is essential for a project to be completed, and if you aren't comfortable with that in the class, then that's a problem. Also, you have to willingly step into a project where you yourself may not know what the answer is, or even how to get there. There's a lot to be said for teachers who routinely do this in their class, for the levels of trust and patience must be through the roof...

But back to me. I think I can definitely add this into the writings that I currently do in the class. Giving the students more concrete ways of publishing their work is always a huge benefit to all involved. In Math, I think that's the area where I need to step away from what I'm comfortable with, and start taking some chances. Using Project Based Learning is one such example.

So, here's where I leave it to you, the reader. Where would you recommend that I start with a Project in Math? We have our obvious ones (financial problems, designing problems, etc.), but what about some of the more unique ones?

As always, feedback is greatly appreciated. Talk to you later...

4 comments:

Rosco3 said...

How about this - create a project that incorporates both a writing skill you are working on AND a math concept currently being taught? Just kidding. I really don't have any good advice for you. I just wanted to say, "Keep up the entertaining blogs!"

Connie Jaeger said...

OK - this is interesting. We can talk, I was a middle school math teacher for 17 years, I will brainstorm with you in class.

Dan said...

Bryan,

I think you're right that PBL could trigger motivations that don't normally exist in students. Students that are turned off by traditional classroom learning might be more interested in PBLs.

I think, as you said, that it is necessary for a teacher to be flexible when doing PBL. A teacher can't expect to have as much control as they do in traditional classroom situations. Or maybe they can have just as much control but will have to be better prepared.

You asked about a PBL you could do for math. One thing that comes to mind is for students to plan a trip. How far are you going? How much gas will you need? How much will food and hotels cost?

BryanDaDamaja said...

Thanks, Dan. I thought about the Field Trip idea, and I think that's a good idea. Have you done that with the kids at all? Just trying to learn about any roadbumps that I might face down the road...

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