Online links:
- http://bie.org/about/why_pbl
- http://www.teachthought.com/learning/project-based-learning/13-timeless-project-based-learning-resources/
- http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1017548.pdf
- http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ980187.pdf
Earlier in this class, I made a comment that connected
inquiry-based learning to the Common Core Standards and I believe project-based
learning is on the same track. Rather
than picking correct choices, Common Core Standards requires students to do,
show, and produce work and apply their knowledge. Buck
Institute for Education explains that “the experience of thousands of teachers
across all grade levels and subject areas, backed by research, confirms that
PBL is an effective and enjoyable way to learn -- and develop deeper learning
competencies required for success in college, career and civic life” (2010) .
As a business education major, application and competencies are key to learning
and growing as students, and equally importantly as prepared and educated
citizens.
The goal of teaching should be to create and teach
lessons that are memorable to the students.
As consistently proven in the reading provided, “studies have shown that
students who use project-based learning remember the material much longer and
have healthier attitudes toward education” (Dauphin, 2013). This site provides
many useful and user-friendly tools for education. The resources are provided, but teachers must
be willing to step away from the packets and lecture and move towards creation
and application.
In the article by Ching and Hsu (2013), the focus is on
project-based learning, but differs as it focuses on peer evaluation as a key
component. The report says “our findings indicate that peer feedback can be
implemented in an online learning environment to effectively support
project-based learning. Students actively participated in the peer feedback
activity and responded positively about how the peer feedback activity
facilitated their project-based learning experiences” (Ching & Hsu, 2013). This can be applied to the current grad class
we are enrolled in as we rely heavily on peer feedback through discussion posts
and recently a collaborative group project.
The article by Schwalm and Tylek agrees with the provided
reading material and central concept that project-based learning is effective
and important for students. The article states that “a successful project
speaks to the interests of students in a concrete, meaningful way, encouraging students
to see the real-world applicability of the concepts they are learning” (Schwalm
& Tylek, 2012). The difference in
this source is that it takes PBL a step further and also looks at this concept and
focuses on out-of-school time and the ‘non-curricular’ aspect of teaching
students. This source stresses the
importance of teaching content in PBL ways, but also teaching non-educational
skills and life skills.
Each key point of these articles can be applied in the
classroom. All of my courses are
project-based solely upon teacher choice.
All of our business, computer, and technology courses require skill
building, and ultimately showcasing and displaying those skills. I have found that students are much more
receptive and invested once the project portion comes into play in comparison
to the explanation and information providing portion. Project-based learning
not only teaches content, but captures the attention of students through
engagement, and leaves a lasting impression on them. Figure 1 below shows the
important factors of PBL and each area of importance for effectiveness. This is a great model for educators to refer
to when integrating PBL in the classroom.
References
Buck Institute for Education. (2010). Why project
based learning (PBL)?. Retrieved from http://bie.org/about/why_pbl
Ching, Y. & Hsu, Y. (2013) The international review
of research in open and distance learning. Peer
Feedback to Facilitate Project-based Learning in an Online Environment, 14(5),
259-273. http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1017548.pdf
Dauphin, S. (2013). 12 timeless project-based
learning resources. Retrieved from: http://www.teachthought.com/learning/project-based-learning/13-timeless-project-based-learning-resources/
Schwalm, J. & Tylek, K.S. (2012). Systemwide
implementation of project-based learning: the Philadelphia approach. Afterschool
Matters, 2. Retrieved from http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ980187.pdf
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