Adminstration

Administration

needs the research behind PBL **first** Handout http://www.bie.org/images/uploads/general/1a3824836b1e5145a774c0e3bdd39e56.pdf

Show video of a "project" to see if admin can properly identify PBL. based on observations they will be grouped for differentiated instruction. http://loticonnection.cachefly.net/pennsylvania/hermit_crabs.wmv If no one has good knowledge base no need to differentiate. Is this a good example of PBL? Why are why not?

Rigorous and in-depth Project Based Learning: Have administrators who are experienced with PBL go through this list and critique video.
 * **is organized around an open-ended Driving Question or Challenge.** These focus students’ work and deepen their learning by centering on significant issues, debates, questions and/or problems.
 * **creates a need to know essential content and skills.** Typical projects (and most instruction) begin by presenting students with knowledge and concepts and then, once learned, give them the opportunity to apply them. PBL begins with the vision of an end product or presentation which requires learning specific knowledge and concepts, thus creating a context and reason to learn and understand the information and concepts.
 * **requires inquiry to learn and/or create something new.** Not all learning has to be based on inquiry, but some should. And this inquiry should lead students to construct something new – an idea, an interpretation, a new way of displaying what they have learned.
 * **requires critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, and various forms of communication.** Students need to do much more than remember information—they need to use higher-order thinking skills. They also have to learn to work as a team and contribute to a group effort. They must listen to others and make their own ideas clear when speaking, be able to read a variety of material, write or otherwise express themselves in various modes, and make effective presentations. These skills, competencies and habits of mind are often known as "21st Century Skills".
 * **allows some degree of student voice and choice.** Students learn to work independently and take responsibility when they are asked to make choices. The opportunity to make choices, and to express their learning in their own voice, also helps to increase students’ educational engagement.
 * **incorporates feedback and revision.** Students use peer critique to improve their work to create higher quality products.
 * **results in a publicly presented product or performance.** What you know is demonstrated by what you do, and what you do must be open to public scrutiny and critique.

Activity: A. How would you teach students how to build a boat? Share out.

B. Develop a lesson on how to build a boat using 7 essentials of PBL listed above.

C. Watch video in action and critique using checklist.

http://www.bie.org/tools/video/summer_project_building_a_boat_more available at http://www.bie.org/tools/useful_stuff/project_essentials_checklist

Cons and counter arguements: Time

Why use PBL?
Students gain a deeper understanding of the concepts and standards at the heart of a project. Projects also build vital workplace skills and lifelong habits of learning. Projects can allow students to address community issues, explore careers, interact with adult mentors, use technology, and present their work to audiences beyond the classroom. PBL can motivate students who might otherwise find school boring or meaningless.

Preparing for PSSAs takes precedence

Students gain a deeper understanding of the concepts and standards at the heart of a project. Can eliminate cramming before the test. Students will make connections to other content areas.

Need to Teach Standards Videos on integrating standards on bie website.

Too much work. Work with admin to allow teachers to use faculty meeting time to prep with others.

**Ticket Out the Door** 1. Of the information presented today, what do yo u find most compelling? 2. In what way has the information changed your view of PBL? 3. If you were asked to present a case for implementing PBL in your school/district to your colleagues what would you say? How would you support your argument?

Questions based on LSI Activity - PBL Research Extension

Table 6

**Administration**  Howard Gardner - “Current formal education still prepares students primarily for the world of the past, rather than for possible worlds of the future.”

 Why Project-Based Learning?  []

 Top 10 Skills Needed for the new workforce  []

 Why PBL Matters!  []

 Project-Based Learning Wiki for Administrators  [|http://pblnetwork.pbworks.com/w/page/27465256/PBL-Network]

Table 3
Please read the PDF of our work