Implementing Project-Based Learning and Multimedia in Elementary Social Studies

Curriculum

Kelly Hughes

July 13, 2010Touro University California

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Overview of Today’s Presentation

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Importance

Purpose of Study

Literature Review

Key Themes

Implications

Gaps

Importance and justification for study

Importance Project Based Learning (PBL) is an innovative way to

help children relate what they learn in school to their lives outside of the classroom.

Traditional teaching methods have not proven to be effective for some students or to have a positive impact on standardized test scores and graduation rates.

Studies show that students engaged in project-based learning outscore their traditionally educated peers

Today’s students are Digital Natives, therefore offering current technology and multimedia is essential in order to reach students maximize their learning potential

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Purpose of Study

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Objectives or Outcomes

To identify best practices when it comes to utilizing PBL and multimedia with Social Studies

To introduce Project-Based Learning into a 4th grade classroom to determine the impact it has on the student’s learning.

Literature ReviewTheme 1Multimedia and Social Studies

Serves to engage students with multiple types of intelligences

Provides access to materials that would otherwise be difficult to find

Allows students to consider multiple perspectives

Examples:Digital Storytelling, WebQuests, 5

Literature Review

Theory Behind Project Based Learning

• Constructivism• Learners construct knowledge for

themselves • Emphasis placed on student rather

than teacher• Learning is an active process

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Theme 2

Literature Review

Theme 3:Benefits and Best Practices of using PBL

and Multimedia

Both motivate student learning Increase student interest in subject matter Supports learning by making content accessible Enhances student understanding

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Literature ReviewTheme 4:PBL and Digital Storytelling

Increases students engagement and motivation Enhances creative thinking Creates a “new way to solve an old problem” DS gives students a platform to voice their own

thoughts and tell their own stories

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Implications for the Study

Organization of Study:Communication to all stakeholders (school

admin. Teachers, parents, students)

Clear description of the benefits of PBL

Roles and responsibilities 

Performance metrics and milestones

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Gaps in the Literature

Not many studies on using PBL in Social Studies at the elementary level

Not many studies done on incorporating multimedia in PBL elementary classrooms

Insufficient amount of objective and subjective performance metrics

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Importance and Justification for your

study Traditional teaching methods don’t work for all students. A

“one size fits all” approach doesn’t effectively reach all students.

PBL puts learning in a “real world” context for students

Introducing this teaching method to a Social Studies curriculum (typically not the most interesting subject for many students), will help to determine if this method results in increased student engagement, participation, learning, and comprehension, as other have found

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