Chapter 1 Reflection

                As a future teacher I need to keep in mind that Project-Based Learning is designed to get students to complete projects that are associated with the real world. These specific projects give them some choice and encourage them to think outside of their box. These projects promote leadership instead of just following what the teacher says. This is great because, after all, don’t we want to create leaders for the world we live in.

                Project-Based Learning has many benefits. It promotes students to be leaders. It gives them choice so that way they learn to enjoy their education and want to learn. These types of projects give students real world experience which is what they really need after high school. Using this type of learning students can make sense of the content in their own way and doing so in a way that they enjoy.

                Some issues that I could see with Project-Based Learning is that some teachers may not know how to teach this way. It often involves technology and if they are unfamiliar with it then it would be a very hard concept to teach. Teachers will also need to watch their students closely to make sure that they are not struggling since this is a new concept. I think the biggest issue there will be with this is getting the teachers to understand how to teach it.

                In the book, a man named Paul Curtis struggled to get other teachers to see that Project-Based Learning was the way to go so he went to a school where the entire curriculum was based off of this approach. This school worked out and eventually more sites were being built so that more students could be accommodated. I believe that this worked here but not in a traditional high school because everyone was already on board with the idea. Teachers were also given time and incentives to work together so it made it much easier to implement unlike in a typical school. Project-Based Learning is a great strategy because it teaches students how to continue to learn in the ever-changing world we live in today.

Chapter 1 Reading Response

Throughout this introduction chapter, it seems as if there are several things to keep in mind while beginning the journey through Project-Based Learning. One of the biggest ones that stood out to me was the planning and preparation that goes into a PBL approach to teaching. Project-Based Learning can be seen as the teacher standing back and letting the students discover and learn on their own, but as the chapter states, “project design is front-loaded work.” Especially as a new teacher, that can seem like an even harder task to plan for, when trying to get the hang of working in a classroom. But the chapter also goes on to say that as you continue to use these projects and tweak them year after year, there won’t be as much initial planning involved once you land successful ones. So although there may be extra hours of planning at the beginning, it eventually pays off as your collection of projects grow. There are many overall benefits of the PBL approach, not only do students learn how to work as a team, but they engage in real-world activities with problems that matter to them. The best way to get students involved is to work with things they care about. This is a huge importance when getting students to gain knowledge that will stick with them for years to come.  As the chapter mentions, the business world demands employees who know how to work collaboratively, access and analyze information, and think creatively to solve problems. Problem-Based Learning give students readiness for the real world with knowledge and necessary skills. Teachers who use the PBL approach are more successful in preparing students for a “world that’s certain to continue changing.” A few things that need to be considered in the PBL approach would first be getting other teachers and staff in your school on board. As mentioned in the chapter, there was a man who struggled to work PBL into his classroom calling it an “uphill battle”. When other teachers didnt integrate similar teaching aspects, it made his classroom more challenging, which in turn made it harder to get students to excel.  He went on to teach at New Technology High where he was able to be successful in his teaching, but I think this is one of the biggest issues when considering Project-Based Learning. At New Technology High, project based learning was the "centerpiece of instructional design." But an important hallmark of the New Tech model is that technology is not the main focus, although is surrounds the environment and is easily accessible to all students, technology is used as a tool to better learn.

Reflection 1

The world is in the middle of a technological revolution. Teachers who have taught for twenty plus years are being pushed out of their comfort zones to meet the needs of students during this technological time. Teachers are learning how to adapt the new technologies into their classroom and are preparing students for real world problems to mold them into critical thinkers.

When using the Project-Based Learning approach there are some things you need to keep in mind. Today’s students are up for the challenge. The new technology is already in the student’s hands, but many schools are not keeping up. The schools need to keep up because the students will, even if the schools don’t. Projects are the most important aspect of PBL (Project based learning). Projects give students real world problems to solve. They can take what they are learning in class and apply it to the real world. There is no better way to catch a student’s interest then to relate it to their everyday life. This technological revolution is requiring everyone to move forward. Teachers are throwing out the old lesson plans and in with the new. The benefits of project based learning out weigh traditional teaching tremendously.

There are endless benefits to project based learning. Project based learning gives you a clearer perspective of the real world so you are better prepared. Students will develop good communication skills because of having to work with co-workers (peers). Students will also develop good inquiry skills. Having to solve project problems requires a lot of discussion and collaboration with partners. The projects also have an effect on the teachers. Teachers become more engaged and passionate about what they are teaching. The world wants more critical thinkers and the traditional approach of teaching is not developing them. The project approach is the future of learning.

If you are a teacher that uses a traditional learning approach you need to be prepared for the transition to PBL. Teachers need to rethink about their expectations for what students need to know and do. Your students are going to develop and learn in a whole new way and you need to pay attention to it. You also need to adjust your class management style. You have to help students become better at managing their own progress. This approach will also change how you assess. Project-Based Learning is a process. You need to monitor what your students are getting better at and where they are struggling. Also the most important change you need to address is to the parents/colleagues. You need to make them aware that PBL is a 21^st century approach. It’s important that they know that you are making them real world ready. Overall, Project Based learning is the future and the earlier we jump on the train the farther we will be ahead down the road. 

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