Reflection #1

Kristen Logan

EDT 3470

Monday -Peterson/Woodard

Reflection #1

Submitted 1/27

1.) As we start the journey through project based learning we need to keep in mind that today’s students are up to the challenge, projects are worth the effort, students live and learn in the real world, and new contexts encourage the project approach.

2.) The overall benefits of PBL are that projects form the centerpiece of the curriculum, rather than an extra for a unit that’s already planned. Students engage in real world situations that practice the strategies of authentic disciplines and students work to gather to solve problems of their choosing. Also, another benefit is that technology is integrated as a tool for discovery and a type of learning that couldn’t otherwise be tapped into and give teachers a new way to reach learning goals.

3.) The benefits for students doing PBL are that students develop good communication skills, students develop good inquiry skills, students learn to be flexible with their working hours because they know people are relying on them to meet their deadlines. Students also develop a fuller understanding of how the world works and that it does not just revolve around them.

4.) Issues that need to be considered using the PBL approach are your learning goals. The teacher should be ready to rethink expectations for what students will know and do. Another issue is that should be considered is the way you talk and engage with students, students will have more of the spotlight. Be ready to help students become better at managing their own progress. PBL encourages communication and collaboration so teachers should be ready and consider the idea of making the classroom set up in a way that’s easy to collaborate and communicate with their classmates. Also another issue to consider is to be ready to explain this learning approach to parents, and the reasoning behind the 21^st-century project approach.

5.) New Technology High is a great way to illustrate the New Tech model. Vocational education schools or classes can be very beneficial to students because they get to see their work applied to real life situations. Usually these schools are smaller which mean they can have more one on one time with the teacher, which is also an advantage for the teacher as well. Students are able to collaborate, share their ideas, deepen their thinking skills, as well as broaden their horizon.

Part A- ePals

Website Evaluation

http://fnic.nal.usda.gov/nal_display/index.php?info_center=4&tax_level=2&tax_subject=257&topic_id=1353

http://www.keepkidshealthy.com/nutrition/

Website Evaluation Links

http://www.schoolkidshealthcare.com/?gclid=CNqDvY32-K0CFYvRKgodmA83vA

http://www.getkidsinaction.org/exercise/

Web Evaluations

http://www.plasticsinfo.org/Main-Menu/Healthy-Lifestyle/How-to-Stay-Hydrated.html


http://kidshealth.org/kid/


http://www.nourishinteractive.com

Grady: Chapter 1 RR

Project-Based learning is a strategy certain to turn traditional classrooms upside down. Students' get more out of what they are learning if they can connect with real would situations. The student's pursue what they want to learn and how they are going to learn it while the teacher steps back. Today, the business world demands that people know how to work in teams and analyze information. With project-based learning, student's are learning first hand how to work in a team, research information, and analyze that information so they are well prepared for the world that lies ahead of them. In this approach, student's engage in real-world activities, they work collaboratively to solve problems that matter to them, teachers collaborate design and implement projects that cross geographic boundaries or even jump time zones, technology is integrated as a tool for discovery, and projects form the centerpiece of the curriculum. When all these components come together in a successful project, the result is transformative, for both teachers and learners. When teacher's use digital tools in their classroom to facilitate learning, they are preparing their students to thrive in a world that's certain to continue changing. To help get ready for this you need to do the following:  be aware of your teaching goals, be ready to step off stage and interact with your students differently, good classroom management, be ready to change the physical arrangement of your classroom, think about assessment, think about what you collect, and how you communicate with parents and colleagues. Remember that you are creating new traditions for your student's and in the end, project-based learning will be very beneficial to them.

Spangler: Chapter 1 RR

            Project-Based Learning (PBL) through the use of today’s technologies is a shift away from the traditional classroom. It changes the teacher’s role to become more of an organizer and helper, instead of spitting out information. With project-based learning students can find answers to their own questions with just a click of the mouse. Also this type of teaching style integrates every subject into one project that usually lasts a few weeks or a few months. The most important part of this approach is that students love it. They love to learn and are excited to work on their real-life experience projects that will prepare them for the real world. Teachers never have to answer the question, “Why are we doing this?” because the students know how it is applied to the real world. Another important skill that students learn with this type of teaching style is how to work together in groups to reach a common goal. Often times these projects are in groups or even the entire class working together.

            Project-based learning is being practiced all over the world. Entire schools in the United States are transforming to this approach as well as in Scotland. Also in Singapore project-based learning is a national goal. It is encouraged with the motto: “Teach Less, Learn More.”

            Another important thing from Chapter 1 is that it discusses how teachers are learning too. With project-based learning it isn’t the teacher just talking and talking trying to find ways to keep the students’ attention, it is interactive and fun for both the teacher and the students. Since this is a fairly new approach many teachers may be unfamiliar with facilitating a project-based learning classroom.  So many teachers are learning with the students on how to make these projects more affective, precise, and relative to the real world. There was an example from a teacher Michael McDowell who builds his entire curriculum around the PBL approach. He made the point that he never remembered what he learned in Biology when he was in school, but with PBL the students will never forget the experience.

            Finally, the chapter discusses how to prepare for a change to a project-based learning curriculum. It sets up the rest of the book by saying that it will help teachers with important aspects like designing, implementing, and assessing projects.

Concept Map A

Test Spangler

Hey 708 642 6470

Test Grady

Hey