True learning is based on discovery guided by mentoring rather than the transmission of

knowledge.--John Dewey

Cooperative Learning:What the research shows

• Academic Success– Higher achievement, including

knowledge acquisition, accuracy, creativity in problem-solving and higher reasoning level.

• Attitude Effects– Persistance toward goals, intrinsic

motivation, applying learning in other situations, greater time spent on-task

What is Problem–Based Learning

• PBL is an instructional method that challenges students to “learn to learn”, working cooperatively in groups to seek solutions to real-world problems

• PBL prepares students to think critically and analytically and to find and use appropriate learning resources

What are the Common Features of PBL

• Learning is initiated by a problem

• Problems are based on complex, real-worl situations

• All information needed to solve problem is not initially given

• Students identify, find, and use appropriate resources

• Students work in groups

PBL: The Process

• Students are presented with a problem (or a variety of problems)– They organize ideas and previous

knowledge

• Students pose questions, defining what they know and what they don’t know

• Students assign responsibility for questions, discuss resources

• Students reconvene, explore newly learned information, refine questions

Problem Based Learning

Characteristics of Good PBL Projects

• Relates to real-world, motivate students• Requires decision-making or judgments• Multiple stages• Designed for group setting• Initial questions are open-ended to

encourage discussion• Incorporates course content objectives• Challenges higher-order thininking

“School should not be a preparation for

life,It should be life."

--Elbert Hubbard

                                                                              

"The philosophic aim of education must be to get each one out of his isolated class and into the one humanity."              --Paul Goodman

BENEFITS OF COMMUNITY-BASED PROJECTSTo

STUDENTS AND THE COMMUNITY

Project-based or Problem-based Learning:

• actively engages students in their own learning;• provides an avenue for learning in context;• assists school to become relevant to student learning;• responds to different student abilities--linguistic, logical- mathematical; bodily- kinesthetic, music, spatial, interpersonal, intrapersonal

Community Involvement:

• is central to the success of project-based learning;• allows students to meet real human needs; • encourage working cooperatively with people;• recognize other people as important resources;• provides a means for relevant student learning;• engages students in their own learning;• provides a stimulating and viable educational experience;• presents students with a range of choices and opportunities;• reduces the gap between school, community and the workplace.

O P T I M U M

Community-Based Projects

WHAT RESOURCES DO TEACHERS NEED? • The most important resource for service

learning is imagination. • Teachers must carefully revise their curriculum

so that learning is experiential • Establish community partnerships; a critical

element in successful service learning activities. • Students must help determine community

needs. • Transportation to service sites, substitute

teacher pay (if necessary) and recognition items for students (e.g., T-shirts, photos, project journals)

BENEFITS TO STUDENTS

• 16% of what they read 50% of what they read, hear, and see

• 70% of what they read hear, see, and personally experience

• 90% of what they read, hear, see, feel, and DO (Practice)

Motivation and self-esteem in students of all ability levels may be enhanced through opportunities to:   

l

• learn by doing• have skills recognized and appreciated by peers and adults in

the community.• be part of a group completing positive, constructive projects• learn from adults regarding cultural pride, local history and

career choices.• experience the connection between academic studies and real-

life work and concerns.• build relationships with adults who take interest in individual

students.• become resources for their families about available community

services.

Career Exploration: Professional Skill Development

• Opportunity to Explore Possible College Majors and Future Careers

• Potential to Gain Professional Skills and Knowledge in Agency Settings

• Build Valuable Experience to Enhance Resume and Employment Opportunities

• Develop Personal and Career Skills While Being Mentored by Professionals

Personal Growth: Gain Critical Thinking, Interpersonal and Citizenship Skills • Develop Moral, Ethical, Civic, and

Social Responsibility • Gain Empathy, Warmth and

Multicultural Understanding for Others

• Develop Critical Reasoning and Creative Thinking Skills by Real Problem-Solving

• Foster a Desire for Lifelong Service to Our Global Society

Improve Self-Esteem, Enhance Self-Worth and Increase Personal Joy • By Actively Sharing Care and Love,

Students Feel Worthy and Important to Others

• Self-Reflection Leads to Enhanced Self-Awareness and Appreciation of Talents

• Helping Others Brings Personal Joy and Increased Satisfaction to School Life

• Service Allows Students to "Live Richer, More Rewarding and More Useful Lives"

Project-based learning throughCommunity-based projects

• is a teaching method that combines meaningful service to the community with curriculum-based learning. Critical to this type of learning is building in time for students to reflect on their experience. Reflection time helps students make the connection between classroom and community learning, and ensures they understand the extent to which they can impact positive change and solve problems.

BENEFITS TO THE COMMUNITY

• Improve Community’s Understanding of Students – They can be Positive Role Models– That students have Idealistic,

Positive, Enthusiastic Energies to Devote to those in Need

– Links to the School Community to the Community at-large

BENEFITS TO YOU-THE TEACHER

• Community-based Projects Provide Curriculum Enrichment – Enlarged Classroom; Enriched Learning

Environment – Real Applications of Knowledge Deepen

Understanding of Intellectual Concepts – Provides Opportunity to Gain Affective

Knowledge and Interpersonal Communication Skills

– Improves Student Motivation, Retention, and Satisfaction with Applied Learning

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful,

committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only

thing that has."--Margaret Mead