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.
Hi Kayla! I love that you included your own personal views on these discussion questions. I like paper books also. You applied for the reading to your own situations. This was well written and pleasant to read.
ReplyDeleteI agree Kayla, this is too much of a good thing. Small classrooms and abundant technology are great, but unfortunately many children will be left out of this. Not every child will be able to to attend these type of schools creating an even larger gap between social classes. Also, books are way better than computers any day!
ReplyDeleteKayla, I couldn't agree more with your statement about students doing the learning rather than teachers shoving the learning down students throats. Not all students learn from lectures so I think PBL is a great idea for schools to integrate into their curriculum. I also agree with your stance on old fashion learning. I don't think they should get rid of books but rather use both books and technology to help further a students education.
ReplyDelete