Big ideas for better schools is an excellent article for teachers, students, administrators and everyone involved in education. I thought that the information on engaging students was especially interesting and useful. I really liked the section where they discussed project-based learning and it's overall impact on students. Project based learning is not like traditional book based learning. In PBL, students utilize original documents and data and begin to improve their skills mastering software, publishing documents and websites and learn the principles covered in traditional courses but learn them in more meaningful ways.
In addition to Project Based Learning, a real connection can be made by integrating the curriculum in a way that students are able to reach across subjects such as math, science, reading, and writing to expand their knowledge in other subjects such as art, music, and physical education. In so doing, students learn more of each subject while learning new skills.
Finally, I thought that the information on creating and maintaining individualized student learning plans was a great way for teachers to differentiate and meet the needs of their students. All students learn in different ways and the ISP makes it possible for teachers to specialize their instruction.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
Over at my school we have a Learning Fair that takes place the last week of May. After the AIMS and all the testing that the kids do it's time to relax. All the classrooms, even kinder and First grade do a PBL. Each classroom decides the topic they are going to study. At the end of the project, the parents come in the evening and there is a big presentation and you can really feel that there is learning going on. The students don't feel preasured and they enjoy learning more because it's not for a test.
I wish we did this all year long.
Project-based learning is definitely the way to go! The problem is, many teachers don't know quite how to go about it. If it is a campus initiative, professional development and time to collaborate with members of your team or teachers that teach the same content and grade is essential. Many of us have great ideas, but the can become even greater when discussing them with other teaching professionals.
I notice that I enjoy the lesson as much as the students when utilizing a project-based learning approach. Meaningful projects are more interesting and thus more engaging. One of my goals this year is to create more PBLs.
Post a Comment