1) One of the biggest things that needs to be kept in mind for project based learning is that it focuses more on the student than the teacher which is the opposite of the way that most of us have grown up. I know I personally grew up in a school that had a very traditional view of learning where the teacher tended to lecture at us and that was how we learned. Project based learning is much more student lead and interactive for the children which is why they tend to learn more. The students are actively engaged in meaningful activities rather than worksheet after worksheet.
2) The benefits of project based learning are numerous. I believe the largest benefit though is simply that the children are much more likely to actually absorb what they are learning because they are the ones doing the learning rather than having the learning shoved down their throats by an 'all powerful' teacher. The projects they do are authentic and actually have a purpose behind them as opposed to the busy-work worksheets I mentioned above.
3) Students who participate in project based learning learn more, and learn it better, than their counterparts who are not a part of project based learning. Students become the experts in their projects rather than passive observers. Beyond the project itself, they are also learning the skills necessary to solve other problems outside of the classroom later on in life. There are real and numerous applications for what they are learning.
4) The biggest issue that needs to be considered with project based learning is how much up-front preparation needs to be done by the teacher. The teacher also has to learn how to step back and allow the children to take the reigns while still being able to guide them. Although the students are the ones in charge of their learning, they are not being set free to run wild. They still need to be nudged in the right direction without taking away from their ability to do the projects on their own.
5) New Technology High sounds like a dream school for project based learning. The students always have a computer at their fingertips and the student/teacher ratio is amazing. Perhaps I'm just old fashioned, but I've always loved the feel of a paper book in my fingertips. Have they done away with books altogether? My personal view is that technology is a great tool, but it shouldn't be the only tool. New Technology High is almost too much of a good thing.
Friday, January 30, 2015
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Reading Reflection #1
Reading Reflection #1
1. Starting the new journey to project based learning has to come with an open mind. The book gives specific thoughts to keep in mind when starting this journey and I feel it is good advice. All of the factors given are helping set students up to be more successful. Focusing on instructional approaches and integrating technology are highly expected to this type of learning and this will expand the knowledge of both the teacher and the students.
2. There seem to be many benefits to project based learning. But overall, teachers and students benefit from this type of learning. While students are growing up in a generation of advanced technology, many teachers are still not up to speed on today's technology. While teachers are learning as they go, students are just expanding their knowledge and applying their skills to the real world.
3. Along with the benefits I wrote above, students gain many "extra learning" skills from project based learning. To name a few, (they are also listed on page 20) students develop good communication skills, good inquiry skills, learn to be flexible with their working hours and many more. All positive things for students to learn and help them grow.
4. Although there are many positives to project based learning, there are missing pieces as well. It is hard to wrap my head around the starting point of these projects. Is there an approach to introducing this type of learning? Technology varies from school to school and while some schools may have many resources to make the most out of this learning, what do other schools do that don't have that advantage? While there are many positives, I feel there are many questions to be asked as well.
5. New Technology High sounds very advanced. The main ideas and structure developed around this school seem to be beneficial and a good idea for students. However, I think basing a school strictly around research and technology takes away a lot of other benefits of school. I know this is the future, but I will always have a love for books and not being around technology all the time.
1. Starting the new journey to project based learning has to come with an open mind. The book gives specific thoughts to keep in mind when starting this journey and I feel it is good advice. All of the factors given are helping set students up to be more successful. Focusing on instructional approaches and integrating technology are highly expected to this type of learning and this will expand the knowledge of both the teacher and the students.
2. There seem to be many benefits to project based learning. But overall, teachers and students benefit from this type of learning. While students are growing up in a generation of advanced technology, many teachers are still not up to speed on today's technology. While teachers are learning as they go, students are just expanding their knowledge and applying their skills to the real world.
3. Along with the benefits I wrote above, students gain many "extra learning" skills from project based learning. To name a few, (they are also listed on page 20) students develop good communication skills, good inquiry skills, learn to be flexible with their working hours and many more. All positive things for students to learn and help them grow.
4. Although there are many positives to project based learning, there are missing pieces as well. It is hard to wrap my head around the starting point of these projects. Is there an approach to introducing this type of learning? Technology varies from school to school and while some schools may have many resources to make the most out of this learning, what do other schools do that don't have that advantage? While there are many positives, I feel there are many questions to be asked as well.
5. New Technology High sounds very advanced. The main ideas and structure developed around this school seem to be beneficial and a good idea for students. However, I think basing a school strictly around research and technology takes away a lot of other benefits of school. I know this is the future, but I will always have a love for books and not being around technology all the time.
Monday, January 26, 2015
reflection #1
1. The book seemed to have a few ideas as to what teachers should keep in mind when starting an electronic project- based learning unit/ activity/ project. The book told teachers to way prepare in advance as well as keep in mind variations that students may use and encounter. Teachers were also told to get into learner mode and give the students some of the reigns (because the students of today seem to know more about technology than the teachers).
2. The overall benefits of project- based learning seemed to be that students actually learned and grew in their knowledge and skills. Students also were able to apply their new skills in real life if they wanted to and they were also able to solve real problems!
3. Students benefited in the project as described in answer number two. However, students also learned to work together and work with others. They developed team building while they were learning and completing real life task.
4. The issues that need to be considered are lack of understanding in the project. Lack of motivation to get started on students part. Lack of group collaboration. Lack of appropriate technology (some classrooms are more advanced than others).
5. I think it would be an interesting model to investigate. Once a teacher understands that model I think it would be a great model to use in every classroom. Most younger people I know would rather not carry a book around but carry technology everywhere.
2. The overall benefits of project- based learning seemed to be that students actually learned and grew in their knowledge and skills. Students also were able to apply their new skills in real life if they wanted to and they were also able to solve real problems!
3. Students benefited in the project as described in answer number two. However, students also learned to work together and work with others. They developed team building while they were learning and completing real life task.
4. The issues that need to be considered are lack of understanding in the project. Lack of motivation to get started on students part. Lack of group collaboration. Lack of appropriate technology (some classrooms are more advanced than others).
5. I think it would be an interesting model to investigate. Once a teacher understands that model I think it would be a great model to use in every classroom. Most younger people I know would rather not carry a book around but carry technology everywhere.
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