Both project-based learning and collaborative group work prepares a student to meet the criteria of the Profile of a South Carolina Graduate. In PBL students become responsible for their own learning just like employers want their employees to be responsible for doing their specific job. PBL requires students to present a product to an audience. In many jobs an employee must present a product to a client, defend a client or sell a product.
Collaborative group work involves all of the students. All students have a role and they have the responsibility to perform that role to the best of their ability. The students also can rely on each other when one member of the group has a problem and needs help to solve it. Students can use critical thinking and communication to solve this problem. Many employers need their employees to collaborate on a project. To complete a project many companies require different departments such as the finance, engineering and manufacturing departments to work together. This collaborative work causes the employee to be creative and use critical thinking to solve a problem or to create a product.
I like the way you compare the small groups to the work setting. We are suppose to be constantly preparing them for their career. As we discussed earlier this week, not all students are meant to go to college. Sometimes,they are to go straight to work. But, either way, there are expectations that must be met. Students need to get used to having high expectations about the job they are to do. We need to have a plan for what happens then they break the contract. See you tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteYou did an awesome job summing this up and connecting the ideas.... I feel like I "wandered" all over the place trying to explain! :O
ReplyDeleteAlana,
ReplyDeletePBL is exactly what the workplace wants! If we incorporate critical thinking, collaboration,and problem solving with fidelity throughout their school career, transitioning into the workplace will be much more smooth.
Yes, just what the workplace wants! When I was telling my daughter about the PBL she said, "oh, that's exactly what we want at BMW!" Mmmhm ;)
ReplyDeleteHi Alana,
ReplyDeleteCollaboration and Critical Thinking as two of the 21st Century Skills listed in our Profile of the SC Graduate are real world characteristics that businesses have communicated are essential to success in the workplace. Incorporating opportunities throughout our pbl experiences not only helps students to develop these skills but also promotes student engagement.
Thanks,
Dawn