Project Based LearningProject Based LearningProject Based LearningProject Based LearningSusan Gaer, Santa Domingo

Dominican Republic, 2009

susangaer@gmail.com

What is Project Based Learning

Project Based learning, is a dynamic approach to teaching in which

students explore real-world problems and challenges, simultaneously

developing cross-curriculum skills while working in small collaborative

groups.

http://www.edutopia.org/project-learning

Why use Project Based Learning?

• It is active and engaging• It inspires students to obtain a deeper

knowledge of the subjects they're studying.• Research also indicates that students are more

likely to retain the knowledge gained through this approach far more readily than through traditional textbook-centered learning.

• In addition, students develop confidence and self-direction as they move through both team-based and independent work

Folktale Project• Population-southeast Asian refugees

– Strong oral traditions– Minimal reading and writing

• Collaboration– District librarian– Eighth grade language arts class

• Curriculum integration– Objectives that match the curriculum

Cookbook Project

• Literacy/Beginning Level Southeast Asian Refugees and Latino immigrants

• Language Objectives: Giving step by step directions

The Process

Visalia Adult SchoolLearn American

FolktalesLearn various ways

of telling folktalesDevelop

storyboards to tell their folktale

Tell the folktale to the middle school students

Green Acres Middle School

Learn about cultureDevelop illustration

skillsListen critically and

take notesWrite the folktales

in publishable format

The Newspaper Project• Population-Mostly Latino students

at the intermediate levels of language development.

• Elective Class that students chose to take

• Urban Setting –Large School• Students choose this project the

first semester the class ran.

The ProcessThe Teacher’s Role

Help students organize

Help students develop survey

Develop writing skills

Develop an understanding of copyright issues

The Students’ RoleDevelop an

Editorial CommitteeWrite surveys and

memos soliciting articles

Write key articlesLayout and publish

hard copy

International Home RemediesDeveloped by teachers to train

other teachers

Model remedies from training placed on web

Advertise on webpage for other classes that have interest

Convenient form developed for easy additions

Additions continually archived

Photo Project

1) Students created a list of verbs using beginning level textbooks.

2) Students learned how to use a camera

3) Students took pictures of verbs

4) Pictures were critiqued.

5) Students practiced verb forms

6) Students wrote sentences

7) Students made quizzes and activities

(http://www.quia.com) --online quizzes

Powerpoint and Word for print activities

Class Demographics• Intermediate-Advanced level

language students• Independent study class• Hundreds of student cycling

through 1 hour class for only 8 sessions.

Crucial Elements

Develop a Model

The Project must be geared to the population

Students must see value in the project

Timelines need to have flexibility

Benefits• Students are engaged in a

meaningful project that develops authentic language

• Motivating • Develop a sense of community in the

classroom• Student Centered Classroom• High Self Esteem Levels

http://www.susangaer.com

What Questions do you have?