Thursday, March 28, 2013

Assessment Ideas



Assessment Ideas in PBL

Check out the following links for some ideas to help manage assessment data and please comment on how you would use one of the ideas when assessing content understanding in your PBL design:

Exit slips
Authentic Assessment
Google Forms







Thursday, March 21, 2013

Establishing Classroom Culture

We agreed that in order to design and implement a PBL unit we would "Need to Know" more about establishing a classroom culture conducive to best PBL practices.   The following video provides a glimpse into a classroom PBL.   As you watch the video, reflect upon the work that was possibly done before and/or during the unit to establish classroom culture.    Provide your thoughts and "I wonders" in the comments below.  


For more information regarding classroom culture and PBL visit the following links:

Constructing a PBL Classroom - First Weeks of School (Discussion)




Thursday, March 7, 2013

Project Oriented Activities vs. Project Based Learning


What are some project-oriented activities you currently use with students?  How could one of these project-oriented activities be transformed into a Project Based activity?

  It is important for us to remember that having students complete projects does not necessarily mean they are doing Project Based Learning.  Project Based Learning requires students to go through an extended process of inquiry in response to a complex question, problem, or challenge.  The following table from the BIE allows us to differentiate between project-oriented and project-based learning. 
Project Versus Activity-Based Teaching Strategies
Remember that projects are not a new instructional idea. However, well designed projects that meet PBL criteria differ from activities or even projects that have been traditional in the classroom.
Example
Themes
Activity-Based
Instruction
Project-Based
Learning
Differences between the
Two Instructional Strategies
Civil War
Battles
Take a field trip to Gettysburg. Write a report on the experienceInvestigate the question "How could wars be more humane?" Use Gettysburg as an example of a high casualty battle, comparing it to other battles. Complete a portfolio, including an essay and a literary response journal, then conclude with a debate.Students investigate an overall challenging question. District activities are conducted in the context of the challenge. No single activity is likely to be sufficient for responding to the challenge.
Sound
Pollution
Listen to different sounds. Make a graph. Identify features of common sounds that are disturbing to the ear.Identify five sound pollution problems in the community. Form a task force to investigate the problems and devise technically feasible solutions for each.Although the activity-based tasks are useful for instruction, the tasks themselves may not be provocative. The project-based approach, in contrast, defines an overarching challenge and embeds these tasks (listening, graphing, identifying features) in a meaningful community project.
Ancient
Architecture
Make posters depicting the architecture of ancient EgyptComplete a case study on the pyramids using the question "How were the pyramids built?" to address five controversial issues: source of the design, source of materials, time to completion, method of transportation of materials, and contents of the chambers.The project addresses the fundamental principles and issues. The project has an overarching question that engages students' critical thinking as well as their creativity. The project reflects current historical mysteries and investigations.
Geometry
Observe and measure various school buildings and record data.Design a "School of the Future" with scale drawings and models, taking into account the site and anticipated needs. Present plan to an audience of school officials or community experts.This complex project goes beyond simply "getting students out of their seats." It requires application of concepts and defense of choices made.