Project-Based
Learning – What I Used To Think/But Now I Know By: Tina Sanders
After my school decided to end its affiliation
with the International Baccalaureate program, I was devastated because I knew
that it was a form of best-practice teaching. I used to think that
Project-Based Learning was just my ticket out of the oblivion of teaching in a
manner that was less than ideal. It would allow me to teach my students the way
I, as a learner, would want to be taught. It turns out that IB and PBL are
similar and different with each having its own vocabulary but, if down right,
they are both actually a form of best practice teaching.
I have discovered that PBL goes hand in hand with
the Profile of a South Carolina graduate because it has a focus on STEM through
the use of integration. The overall graduate plan is very closely aligned with
PBL. Just a few examples of how closely
tied they are found below:
SC Graduate = PBL
Rigorous Standards = Key Knowledge, Understanding, &
Success Skills
Authenticity = Global Perspective
Sustained Inquiry = Teaching Kids How To Learn
Sir Ken Robinson inspired me by reminding me of
how important it is to remember the dreams I had as a child. This connects me
to my students because I recall some of the teachers who inspired me but all of
the teachers who squelched my dreams and eagerness to learn. Being in this
class this week helps me remember why I became a teacher. Over the years, I
have allowed the demands of the job to get in the way of my passion which is to
encourage my kids to be passionate about learning. I am eager to get my team on
board with PBL. I am going to share my unit with them on Tuesday with the hopes
that they will see the how important the role of the teacher is as the
facilitator of learning. I am also going to share this project with my
principal in the hopes that she will see a change in the way my students learn.
Friday’s share is one that I will always remember.
Having the opportunity to show my project with educators who were outside of
the cohort was an invaluable experience. The other class participants had heard
my pitch throughout the week so having a fresh perspective was just what I
needed to launch me further into the main course of PBL. I am so thankful for
your enthusiasm for this cohort. I am beyond grateful that I “accidentally”
found this class while perusing my email. The 4C’s were found throughout the
class. I used Critical Thinking when building my project and evaluating the
other teacher’s projects. I was able to find creative solutions to the problem
of teaching science. (Often times, we are encouraged to focus our time on ELA
and Math. Then if there is time, throw in a little Science & Social
Studies.) By incorporating ELA into the Magnet PBL I am able to cover multiple
standards at one time. Collaboration and Communication were woven through the
week. It was very useful to the overall PBL cohort experience. Thank you again
for making it feel like a family and not a class. I feel like I could talk with
anyone in the cohort and get honest feedback on my current and future PBL
projects.
It is a great idea to share your project with the other teachers on your team. With your enthusiasm I believe you can create an atmosphere where they would want to travel on this journey with you. In the past I have seen many examples of how you care about your students. You are an excellent teacher and project-based learning will help you to continue on your current path of being an excellent teacher.
ReplyDeleteHi Tina,
ReplyDeleteI am thankful that your journey with successfully implementing an IB program led you to project based learning. I am glad that through reading and researching project based learning through our first class you were able to find both similarities and differences that can enhance your implementation of inquiry based, student driven curriculum.
Your post really meant a lot to me in that you took the time to share with us that the class has helped you remember why you entered the profession. It does the same thing for me every year too Tina! Being a part of like minded colleagues who may come from different schools and different experiences and grade levels but who come together because of our shared desire to make education engaging and inspiring for our students re-energizes my love for this profession too.
I am also glad that Friday's presentation was helpful and that you were able to experience first-hand the benefits of an authentic audience outside of the four walls of a "classroom." Being able to provide that same experience for our students can also be empowering to them, not only for that one project, but for the next learning progression. Thank you Tina!
Sincerely,
Dawn