Information Processing Family

Project Based Learning

Project Based Learning Characteristics

• Long Term
• Interdisciplinary
• Student centered
• Complex
• Investigative
• Problem solving/decision making

Design features of PBL

• Integrates curriculum areas
• Thematic instruction/community issues
• PBL overcomes the dichotomy between knowledge and thinking and helps students to both "know" and "do"

Challenges with PBL

• It is hard to generate meaningful scientific questions
• Managing complexity and time- This is easier to do with "due tomorrow" assignments, compared to big projects
• Difficulty analyzing and evaluating data
• Developing a logical argument to support claims

Teachers have difficulty with:

• Time
• Classroom management
• Control
• Support for student learning
• Assessment

Administrators have difficulty with:

• Uncommon classroom procedures
• Coverage of district and state approved curriculum
• The uncertainty of whether PBL leads to higher test scores

Students in PBL:

• Students are responsible for both the question and the activities involved in project based learning
• 4 Stages of Inquiry:
• Searching, Solving, Creating, Sharing

Inquiry Learning

5 E Learning Cycle Mode

• Engagement
• Exploration
• Explanation
• Elaboration
• Evaluation
• Evaluation

The teacher is less involved in direct teaching

The Teacher is responsible for:

• developing/cultivating student ideas
• maintaining the learning environment
• model behaviors and skills
• acting as a facilitator

Socratic Dialogue Method

Begs the question "Why?"

The Socratic Method utilizes critical thinking

Uses open-ended questions

Focuses the conversation on the topic
No "one" right answer

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