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Project based learning

Project based learning :
An instructional model for classroom activity that favors learning activities that are long term, interdisciplinary, and centered on the student.

Students pursue solutions by:

• Asking & refining questions
• Debate ideas
• Make predictions
• Design plans or experiments

Students pursue solutions by:

• Collect & analyze data
• Draw conclusions
• Communicate their ideas and findings to others
• Ask new questions
• Create Artifacts

Design features of project based learning:
1. Define learning goals that lead to deep understanding
2. Provide student support
3. Include multiple opportunities for formative self assessment
4. Develop social structures that promote participation and revision

Example :
Students engage in a project based inquiry activity by participating in mock trials of the Sons of Liberty and Redcoats. The purpose is to have students investigate, problem solve, and design arguments for & against the dumping of the tea into the Boston Harbor & The Redcoats actions during the Boston Massacre.

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Inquiry Learning

The main idea of this model is to foster inquiry skills for students, and equip teachers with the strategies necessary to facilitate learning for students.

5 E Learning Cycle
-Engagement
-Exploration
-Explanation
-Elaboration
-Evaluation

Example

American Revolution Taxation Inquiry Lesson


Should Americans be forced to pay British taxes?

Engage :
How do taxes impact us today?
In groups of 3-4, students will work together to create a list of questions that they will use to interview their parents/guardians about taxes

Explore/Investigate:
Students will randomly draw either a red (representing British) or a blue (representing Americans) stick or square of paper. “British” students will have to justify why they feel the colonists should have to pay taxes. “American” students will have to justify why they do not believe they should have to pay taxes. Students research/record their findings.

Explanation :
Arrange chairs so they are in a ring with one set of chairs or desks making up the inside ring with an additional set of chairs set up around the outside. Students defend their positions to the class based on what they have learned.

Evaluate :
Students will return to their original small groups for this activity. Within these groups, students will discuss these four questions:
1. How did Americans choice to not pay the taxes impact the economies of America and Great Britain?
2. What role did government play in the choices Americans made during this time period?
3. What role did geography play in the decisions made by the parliament of Great Britain?
4. How did the choice to not pay British taxes impact the history of the world?

Socratic dialogue

Socratic Dialogue focuses on engaging students in meaningful conversations about controversial topics. Students engage in critical thinking to think about the problem instead of solving it.

Example

After breaking down the significance/reasons for Amendments 1-10 in the Bill of Rights, the teacher asks students
"Is the 2nd Amendment still necessary today?"

The teacher allows students time to think and collaborate before allowing students to share

Students share their positions on the controversial topic.
The teacher clarifies misunderstandings and invites non-participants to contribute

The teacher then recaps the discussion and connects it back to the lesson.
The Founding Fathers included the 2nd Amendment so Americans could defend themselves against an oppressive government.

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