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.