Project and Problem Based Learning

1. Project and Problem Based Learning John HenryEIRCjhenry@eirc.org

2. Objectives • Know what Project and Problem Based Learning is and why it is used. • Understand the basic process of PBL • Do an engagement activity • Brainstorm ideas for a PBL lesson or transition an existing lesson to a PBL activity

3. PROJECT Pedagogy RESOURCES & CONSTRAINTS PBL FRAMEWORK Assessment Content

4. What does the research say about PBL? A three-year 1997 study of two secondary schools -- one that used open-ended projects and one that used more traditional, direct instruction -- found striking differences in understanding and standardized achievement data in mathematics.

5. What does the research say about PBL? The study by Jo Boaler, at Stanford University, found that students at a project-based school did better than those at the more traditional school both on math problems requiring analytical or conceptual thought and on those considered rote, that is, those requiring memory of a rule or formula. Three times as many students at the project-based school received the top grade achievable on the national examination in math.

6. What does the research say about PBL? In a five-year study, researchers at SRI International found that technology-using students in Challenge 2000 Multimedia Project-Based classrooms outperformed non-technology-using students in communication skills, teamwork, and problem solving.

7. What does the research say about PBL? The Center for Learning in Technology researchers, led by Bill Penuel, found increased student engagement, greater responsibility for learning, increased peer collaboration skills, and greater achievement gains by students who had been labeled low achievers.

8. What does the research say about PBL? Students from Multimedia Project classrooms outperformed comparison classrooms in all three areas scored by researchers and teachers: student content, attention to audience, and design. The Multimedia Project involves completing one to four interdisciplinary multimedia projects a year that integrate real-world issues and practices.

9. What does the research say about PBL? Alternative school offers unique curriculum, project-based learning Lakeview School in Ill., use PBL to reach students who are struggling in traditional schools by implementing a curriculum that is based on "doing things based on real world situation." The alternative Global Citizenship Experience School combines many core subjects – while addressing state standards -- and uses a project-based approach that incorporates cultural awareness, sustainability and other themes. Chicago Tribune

10. What does the research say about PBL? Data show project-based learning may help boost achievement: Anecdotal evidence has long supported the notion that project-based learning can deepen learning for students and help them gain skills they need for college and careers,

11. What does the research say about PBL? Envision Schools founder Bob Lenz writes in this blog post. But a new report finds that 12th-grade students who were taught a project-based economics curriculum outscored a control group on standardized tests, and their teachers were reportedly more satisfied with the material, Lenz notes. Edutopia.org/Bob Lenz's blog (9/30)

12. Lecture…Sit and Get PBL

13. In 1956, Benjamin Bloom headed a group of educational psychologists who developed a classification of levels of intellectual behavior important in learning. During the 1990's a new group of cognitive psychologist, lead by Lorin Anderson (a former student of Bloom's), updated the taxonomy reflecting relevance to 21st century work. http://www.odu.edu/educ/roverbau/Bloom/blooms_taxonomy.htm

14. Bloom's Taxonomy New Version Old Version

16. Always think outside the box FedEx http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alSQpinagp0

17. Creatively Speaking, Part Two: Sir Ken Robinson on the Power of the Imaginative Mind

18. What do you know about PBL? • What is Project and Problem Based Learning • Why do PBL? • Common Features of Project Based Learning • Benefits and Obstacles of PBL • What are the Differences and Similarities of Project and Problem Based Learning • What are Student and Teacher roles when doing PBL?

19. Project Based Learning? Is a teaching and learning model that focuses on the central concepts and principles of a discipline, involves students in problem solving and other meaningful tasks, allows students to work autonomously and in groups to construct their own learning, culminates in realistic, student generated products. Buck Institute for Education

20. Problem-Based Learning Defined Finkle and Torp (1995) state that "problem-based learning is a curriculum development and instructional system/process that simultaneously develops both problem solving strategies and disciplinary knowledge bases and skills by placing students in the active role of problem solvers confronted with an ill-structured problem that mirrors real-world problems"

21. Constructivism Learning as an active process in which learners construct new ideas or concepts based upon their current or past knowledge. Students continually build upon what they have already learned.

22. Problem based learning provides opportunities for students to examine and try out what they know Students discover what they need to learn

23. Develop team building and people skills for achieving higher performance in group settings Improve communication skills

24. Engage the Student and the Achievement will Follow Achievement Gap or Engagement Gap? 85% of Middle and High School Students report being bored in their classrooms

25. Problem Solving Example of Engagement Activity Toxic Popcorn What’s your Game Interest, hands-on, interactive and collaborative

26. Toxic Popcorn Scenario A can of highly toxic popcorn has contaminated a circle of approximately 4 feet in diameter. The toxic area extends to the ceiling. If the toxic popcorn is not transferred to a safe container for decontamination, it will contaminate the region The popcorn is estimated to have a safe life of exactly 15 minutes before it explodes. It’s up to you to save the day!

27. Challenge Inside the circle you will find two cans. One (unsafe container) is half full of the toxic popcorn. The other (safe) container is available for decontamination. Find a way to collaboratively to safely transfer the toxic popcorn from the unsafe container to the safe container, using only the materials provided to you.

28. Criteria • No one may cross the plane of the circle with any part of the body. • Only the ropes & tire tube may cross the plane of the circle. • No spills are allowed, or the popcorn will explode. • You may use only the materials provided. • The popcorn must be transferred with in 20 minutes or there will be a disaster. 

29. State and defend positions with evidence and sound argument

30. Become more flexible in processing information and meeting obligations

31. Why Do PBL? Think critically and be able to analyze and solve complex, real-world problems Find, evaluate, and use appropriate learning resources Work individually and cooperatively in teams and small groups Demonstrate versatile and effective communication skills, both verbal and written Use content knowledge and develop skills to become life-long learners in order to succeed in a global economy

32. Students Deserve it The World Demands it

33. Why Do PBL? The National Problem: As a result of a relative decline in student achievement … and interest of students to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM)-related careers … the United States IS AT RISK.

34. Why Do PBL? • In the US only 15% of the undergraduates receive their degrees in natural sciences or engineering. • Past 3 years alone, China & India have doubled production of 3- and 4-year degrees in engineering, computers science and IT, while the US production of engineers is stagnant and CS and IT have doubled. Losing Interest

35. Why Do PBL? • In 2003, US 15 years olds ranked 24th out of 40 countries that participated in an exam that assessed students abilities to apply mathematical concepts to real world problems • 56% of engineering PhDs in the US are awarded to foreign-born students.

36. Why Do PBL? • Although US fourth graders score well against international competition, they fall near the bottom or dead last by 12th grade in Mathematics and Science, respectively. • In 2004 chemical companies closed 70 facilities in the United States and have tagged 40 more for shutdown. Of 120 new chemical plants around the world 1 will be in the United States. 50 will be in China.

37. Framework for 21st Century Learning http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/route21/

38. The standard includes six strands, which reflect the • Framework for 21st Century Learning: • 21st Century Skills • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving • Creativity and Innovation • Collaboration, Teamwork, and Leadership • Cross-Cultural Understanding and Interpersonal • Communication • Communication and Media Fluency • Accountability, Productivity, and Ethics • Understanding by Design UbD template (lesson plan development) • http://www.state.nj.us/education/cccs/2009/final.htm 21st Century Themes Global Awareness Financial, Economic, Business, and Entrepreneurial Literacy Civic Literacy Health Literacy

39. BIE Article on PBL

40. Common Features of Project Based Learning

41. Students engage in real world issues where students define and solve problems that are meaningful to them. PBL usually begins with a Scenario They begin to Brainstorm and ask questions

42. Examples of Scenarios

43. Students learn and practice team building and social skills by working in cooperative teams and sometimes with people in the community

44. Students use critical thinking, planning skills, problem solving skills, and research in order to solve the problem.

45. Students apply skills based on a specific content area in a variety of ways as they work on the project.

46. Gives students practice in a variety of skills that they will be able to use in future careers or during their adult lives such as responsibility, leadership, and problem solving.

47. It usually ends with a product or presentation that demonstrates learning and is assessed.

48. Includes expectations for the project, based on the learning outcome. These are stated at the beginning of the project and are linked to state standards.

49. Includes reflection activities that help students to think critically about their experiences.