project-based learning training 2007. what is the problem with current education methods?
TRANSCRIPT
Despite the fact that high test scores are a poor indicator of future success,
governments continue to push teachers into test based educational approaches.
In the 1960s, Dr. Howard Barrows at McMaster University found that despite the fact his medical students scored very high on standardized tests, they were unable to diagnose patients.
Meanwhile, businesses are telling educators that industrial age classrooms are not preparing our students for the post-industrial economy.
“The great end of education is to discipline rather than furnish the mind; to train it to the use of its own powers, rather than fill it with the accumulation of others.”
--Tryon Edwards
How do we then create a rigorous, relevant, student–centered learning environment that better prepares all
students for the 21st Century?
THE PBL SOLUTION
OLD SCHOOL
Teacher has monopoly on information
Minimal student participation in the problem solving process
Learning is not related to other content areas or real world situations
Students work primarily alone Student feedback is minimal
and often not geared toward improvement
THE PBL SOLUTION
PBL HIGH SCHOOL
Information is accessible from many sources
Students are engaged in content based problems and projects
Content is integrated with other subjects and real world issues
Student feedback is detailed and used for improvement
Student is expected to work with others
WHAT PROJECT-BASED LEARNING?
Project-Based Learning is a comprehensive instructional approach to engage students in sustained, cooperative investigation.
In project-based learning, students work in groups to solve challenging problems that are authentic, curriculum-based, and often interdisciplinary
They gather information from a variety of sources and synthesize, analyze, and derive knowledge from it.
WHAT PROJECT-BASED LEARNING?
Their learning is inherently valuable because it's connected to something real and involves adult skills such as collaboration and reflection.
At the end, students demonstrate their newly acquired knowledge and are judged by how much they've learned and how well they communicate it.
Throughout this process, the teacher's role is to guide and advise, rather than to direct and manage, student work.
WHAT PROJECT-BASED LEARNING?
Project-Based Learning involves students pursuing solutions to nontrivial problems by: Asking and refining questions Debating ideas Making predictions Designing plans and/or experiments Collecting and analyzing data Drawing conclusions Communicating their ideas and findings to others Asking new questions
(Blumenfeld et al., 1991)
THE ROLE OF STUDENTS
Students play an integral part in both the direction of the learning and the classroom activities. Some points to note:
It is important for students to have input in the
direction of their learning.
This engages the students in the learning process
because they have an interest in what is going on in the
classroom.
THE ROLE OF STUDENTS
Students need to be able to exhibit multiple
intelligences.
Projects should cater towards the presentation of
different learning styles.
The end solution should be authentic and concrete.
Students are provided with opportunities to interact
with other group members building work orientated
relationships.
THE ROLE OF TEACHERS
Group student appropriately
Orient students to the goals of the project
Organize the project daily by defining the scope of inquiry
Clarify everything
Monitor and regulate student behavior
Manage the workflow
Evaluate success and reflect on learning
THE ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY
Technology is the fundamental tool in facilitating PBL. Some tools used include:
Emails Forums Online journals Simulations Online quizzes Video editing Graphic presentations Web site creation Online databases and museums. Virtual reality