I tried to be a great teacher- in a lot of ways, I thought I was. I know that I could have been better, though. Although I tried to embrace and implement the ideas of constructivism in my classroom, I wasn't always successful because most of my methods were still traditional. I wish I had known more about PBL when I was in the classroom- I would have enjoyed teaching more- and I'm sure my students would have enjoyed the class more.
Since our move to Cobb County, I've done a lot of research on the schools to figure out where we want to live- the schools I want my son to go to, etc... A couple of the high schools here do a senior project that all of their classes scaffold. When they are freshmen, the students choose their own project to work toward for the next 3 years. They take classes to help with the project. Within their required classes, teachers differentiate the lessons to help the students use what they are learning to inform their project work. They actually use the first three years of high school to learn about the project. Their junior year is spent doing the lion's share of the work on the project, and the senior year is the time to go public with the project. There are tons of categories for the projects and some of them are judged.
For example, one kid made- by hand- a classical guitar with a variation on the design that amplified the sound. As a freshman, his math teacher let him find lessons on the geometry of sound (and I didn't actually understand all of this, but he did). As a sophomore, he took an apprenticehip class and worked for a local craftsman who made musical instruments. Junior year, he actually made the guitar. Senior year, he showcased it, won a contest with it, and visited several local businesses interested in selling it. Throughout this experience, the high schooler learned that he definitely wanted to pursue a career in this advanced craftmanship/musicianship. I talked to other students who said their project made them change their ideas about what they planned to major in when they go to college.
This was such a great way for me to view project based learning in a K-12 setting... I got so many ideas from it. I hope, if I am ever able to go back to the K-12 classroom, that I can plan curriculum that spans the academic subject areas to reach students on this same level. I'm not sure how many other approaches to instruction reach students in such a dramatic and real way. The articles linked on the Google Site mention all the reasons why teachers should consider the implementation of PBL... But, seeing it in action was far more convincing than any of the articles! If you get a chance to visit a school or judge these types of projects- do it!
What a perfect example! How exciting. It makes me start to believe it's possible. Because being "traditional" is much easier. I think the key is to implement PBL is small doses at first. Maybe the Little Engine that Could philosophy. I think I can...I think I can. Taking a high schooler, customizing their courses and producing a 4 year project is really beyond the scope of most "traditional" teachers. It requires steps.
ReplyDeleteBut I think any teacher could take a concept and develop a project based on the material. Really gives the students a chance to see their learning in action! I think that's where we start and hope to end up with a scenario you described!
Thanks for sharing!
How exciting to experience the implementation of PBL through your son's experience. I agree that it is more convincing to see it in action than reading it in an article. However, reading the articles has motivated me to take on Tami's challenge of the Little Engine that Could. Sometimes I tend to teach the way I was taught--the traditionalist way. But, it is important that I take on a different approach that will benefit the students in an authentic way. I have always wanted to visit Ron Clark's Academy. I think of the Academy when I hear Problem Based Learning. Visiting other schools would be a great professional development experience. Thanks for sharing your son's experience.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful and inspiring example of PBL! That is what education really should be about. Not memorizing facts and dates, but helping kids find out what their strengths are and what will drive them to make the best decisions for themselves and their lives. This gives me goosebumps.
ReplyDeleteIt takes a lot more time and effort to plan PBL lessons that to teach in more traditional methods. I really think that schools need to invest in training teachers to utilize PBL effectively. Our school offered a PLU in Challenge Based Learning this summer but I was unable to attend.
ChanMin: Jordan, PBL in the school schools in Cobb County sounds VERY interesting. It shows that learning with projects helps students acquire knowledge and skills but also figure out what career they would like to choose. Another good point you made: seeing something in action works better than reading about it. This reminds me of Merrill's First Principles of Instruction (http://mdavidmerrill.com/Papers/firstprinciplesbymerrill.pdf). "Show me" rather than "tell me." Merrill also argues "let me do it" is even better than "show me." Please take a look at the article if you can. I bet you can get a lot from it.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you and Merrill- I remember having to read that in the past (I think it was for my Masters degree)... Or maybe it was something very similar! Thanks! :)
ReplyDeleteI'd be on board with PBL if it weren't exclusively computer based. It sounds like that awesome guitar-based project did not have much of a computer/internet element. Maybe some, but the final project was definately not a website or a PPT or a movie. It's something tangible. Whenever I talk to my kids about some kind of project, they interest level spikes. They want to "do." I would be interested in shadowing an effective BBL teacher from start to finish. Now that I think about it, I bet there's something on YouTube. No need to travel anywhere. : )
ReplyDelete--Angie