Module 1 Reflection

The video stressed the importance of Project Based Learning versus conventional learning.  Project Based Learning involves more involvement in the beginning and then moves to student driven as the project progresses.  This method allows the student to explore and research using different forms of media, make real-world connections to state standards, and assess their own progress in meeting objectives.  This video totally changed how I look at state standards.  State standards are a guideline to teaching students real-life skills and not arbitrary knowledge.

In Project Based Learning, the student practices 21st learning skills by exploring and researching a topic proposed by the teacher.   The teacher begins by assessing state standards, determining objectives for project, and producing a project that the student will make their own. The student then decides what resources are appropriate and what method he or she will use to present results.  Most PBL is done collaboratively.  At this point, the teacher will observe and be available for questions but the project at this point has moved to the student.  Through self-assessment and using rubrics, the students are able to monitor their progress.  As an instructional designer, I need to relinquish control and allow the process to work.  If the project is well-designed with clear grading guidelines and appropriate deadlines, the students can monitor their own progress.

Project based learning allows the students to make real-life connections to state standards.  One of the examples in the video mentioned fractions.  In conventional learning, fractions are taught in the classroom without any real-life application.  In a PBL lesson from the video, the students are asked to experiment with fractions in baking.  As any good baker knows, a wrong fraction can produce disastrous results.  This is an excellent example of project based learning.  I know I need to allow the process to work instead of stepping in to soon.  Students learn just as much from their mistakes as they do from their successes.

One of the most important points of PBL involves self-assessment.  In the video, it mentioned Claire and a problem she encountered at work.  She was asked to research a problem and present her findings.  She was not graded at every interval.  She had to assess her own progress.  That is what students are asked to do in Project Based Learning.  Project Based Learning can involve long term investigations so the student must maintain focus to complete the assignment.  The students need to assess their own results and whether it answers the questions posed by the teacher.  The teacher should build moments in the project where the students reflect on their progress.   This is the scariest moment for a teacher.  Did the project accomplish the objectives set forth?  As I grow as a teacher, I will need to allow the students to manage their own success.  I do not need to micromanage high school students.  At some point, they will need to learn to manage their own time and projects to have success in life.  It should begin in the classroom.

After watching the video, I realized that I will need to look at state standards differently.  Accordingly, my lesson plans will change and develop over time.  I will need to look for ways to incorporate more real-life opportunities for writing into my English classroom.  I will need to look at ways we can incorporate writing in daily lives into the classroom.  Very few students will ever need to write essays on great literature in real-life but writing business ideas or proposals are probably a real possibility.  I will definitely start viewing things differently.