Project Based Learning
What is Project based learning? It is an instructional method that provides students with opportunities to problem solve, investigate, make decisions, and reflect with the teacher facilitating. The question drives the investigation. Students are given the opportunity to develop many skills such as technology and research, problem solving skills, communication skills, design skills and decision making skills in these lessons.
Students were started with one question but were not give the opportunity to use technology at this time. There were discussions involved in this lesson, lists were generated, coming to a consensus, creating a design and presenting it to the class. Though some groups were not in agreement they resolved their problem and went with the majority.
Some of the ground rules were:
It was interesting to see some of the problem solving activities that took place.
Still under construction
Students were started with one question but were not give the opportunity to use technology at this time. There were discussions involved in this lesson, lists were generated, coming to a consensus, creating a design and presenting it to the class. Though some groups were not in agreement they resolved their problem and went with the majority.
Some of the ground rules were:
- They all had to participate.
- They had to be respectful to one another.
- They could disagree but they were to use terminology that was appropriate language such as I disagree with you because..., I don't think that's right because ...etc.
- They had to appoint a key speaker to present to the class and stood united in the presentation.
- They reflected and discovered many things working in groups: some had no problems, others were not in agreement,
It was interesting to see some of the problem solving activities that took place.
Still under construction
This group felt that fire fighters impact our community because they help the sick.
This group felt that teachers impact our community the most because they teach us to read, write, and draw.
Another group felt that the Coast Guard impacts our community the most because they protect our nation.
This group felt that police dogs impact our community the most because they help fight crime.
Our final group chose doctors because they felt they keep people from dying.
