Reading Reflection #1

Reflection #1
There are many things to keep in mind while starting on the journey of integrating project based learning in the classroom. PBL is a great tool to engage the students and to be able to connect the students lives to different subjects. The students are up for the challenge. They are close to fully being emerged into the digital world. They are familiar with technology and are excited to use it. Students also live and learn in the real world. It will be more useful for them to recall the meaning of something when they can remember a fun activity they did.
The benefits of PBL will help both the students and the teachers. A motto that was in the chapter 1 that I thought was really well said was "teach less, learn more". The ultimate goal is the students will learn more because they are finding out the answers to the open ended question through the process of PBL. No student likes to be lectured at by the teacher. The teacher can only say so much but whether or not the student is actually listening is a long shot. With PBL the students have to engage and almost teach themselves.
The students are going to get the most out of PBL. They are encouraged to work collaboratively and solve problems on their own. They are put into authentic situations which makes PBL real to the students. These are everyday scenarios that they will see for the rest of their lives. PBL is going to prepare them for future careers and other aspects of life.
Teachers need to be aware that their initial lesson plan or set up for PBL could very well go in a different direction. Since PBL is a student run project they are in control of what they learn. As a teacher we need to be able to be okay with the fact that the end result might not be what initially was planned. This is the same concept as teaching a lesson. There is always an objective for each lesson, but sometimes the students lead into a more interesting topic which is fine. Being able to adapt to change will be the key to success for PBL.
The New Technology High is a school that has PBL included into their entire curriculum, which was the center base of the teachers instructional design. Like the New Technology Model says "technology is everywhere" but technology should be used as a "tool rather than the focus of learning.". I agree just because PBL uses technology doesn't mean that it should revolve around it. Technology is just a tool that students should be familiar with. The sense of working as a collaborative team should be the main focus and the drive of PBL.

Chapter 1 Reading Reflection

Sarah Betzold

EDT 3470

Reading Reflection: Chapter 1

As I start creating my project-based learning project, I know I need to keep in mind my learning goals and what I will expect students to be able to do. I will need to be prepared to put the spotlight on the students and interact with them rather than lecture. I’ll help students get better at keeping track of their own progress and frequently reevaluate what needs to be highlighted as student are working through their projects. I will be mindful of what learning artifacts I collect and make sure to be able to explain to parents and colleagues why the project based learning approach is so beneficial.

There are several benefits of the project based learning approach. Students learn how to communicate better with others, which often eliminates cultural misunderstandings in the classroom. They gain inquiry skills, technology skills and often think more about the world they live in. Students begin to understand real life situations and that they can make a change in the world. Students are also forced to become more responsible because they have to meet certain deadlines and will often have other students counting on them. The project based learning approach is also very hands on which forces students to participate and be engaged in learning. It has great learning opportunities for teachers as well. There is always more to learn and students can pull out facts and ideas that are great for everyone to learn.

As I create project based learning projects in my future classroom, I know I will have keep in mind the issues that can come up. Often parents don’t like the idea of computer use because they relate it to playing games. I know I will be prepared to discuss with parents the usefulness of the project based learning approach and whatever concerns they may have. Also I will constantly keep in mind the goal of the project. If the class becomes off track, I will be sure to lead them back onto the right path.

The New Technology Model is based on a school, New Technology High, where project based learning is put to use throughout the entire curriculum. Everything the students do in school is based on research. The students use technology, work together, problem solve and are engaged in learning. The New Technology Model is becoming more and more popular around the U.S. and I definitely support it.

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