Reflection 4

Overcoming pitfalls is a part of project learning. We can avoid some of these pitfalls. A common pitfall is long on activity, short on learning outcomes. Many times teachers plan projects that are a very long process of busy work and don’t tie in enough learning outcomes. This can make this long lengthy project not worth doing. It is also important that we find different ways to tie technology into projects. Having students research a topic on the Internet and then present it in an electronic slideshow is not a quality project. Selecting the wrong theme can result in a pitfall. Many teachers choose themes that are not very effective. For example, apples are the chosen theme for the fall semester. The students paint apples, count and add apples, read stories about Johnny Appleseed, etc. Quality themes like survival, justice, and interdependence are more effective themes and prepare them better for real life. Sometimes teachers over script their projects. By over scripting your projects you are limiting your students’ creativity. Their project outcomes are very easy to predict.

Good projects focus on reaching significant learning outcomes, not merely making use of technology applications. If technology helps your students reach your learning outcome goals then it is essential for them to use. It is important that students can make connections to the project. If students can build off prior background knowledge they are more likely to get more out of the project. It’s important to let students’ interests and curiosity drive the learning experience. If students are interested in a project you are going to get better results from them. Some of the best projects are very loosely designed so that students can mold them to what interest them. Having students work together collaboratively is also a key to the best projects. Students should start working together collaboratively at a young age because when you get out in the real world working alone is more rare.

Project ideas can come from anywhere. Building off what interests your students is a good place to start. If they can make connections from life at school and at home they are likely to be more successful. Teachers should try to be creative and imaginative. As a teacher figure out what learning outcomes you want your students to reach and find a way for your students to achieve them. Good project ideas can come from anywhere.

There are many steps that go in to creating a project. Writing a project sketch can be very beneficial. A project sketch is not intended to list every detail of a project. It is intended to get your ideas flowing and onto paper. When you are designing you need to revisit the framework. Make a final list of learning objectives, deciding on specific 21^st century skills, and planning a theme are some of the essential steps.

This chapter helps prepare you for our final group project. I know now what obstacles to try and avoid and what I can do to plan an effective lesson plan. This chapter really informed me about good approaches to planning good projects. I know now that planning is an essential key in creating a lesson.