PROJECT BASED LEARNING

West Noble High School

What did we do?

We divided up into two groups for our PBLs. We chose to do this because of shared and over-lapping

courses. Mike and Monte created a U.S. History PBL

Chuck and Sarah created a World History PBL. Chuck and Sarah’s projects were on the same topic but

slightly different. Chuck had an AP World History class and Sarah used the PBL idea in a Geography and History of the World class.

Projects changed to meet the needs of the different students in the classes.

This is a real advantage when using PBL. Similar learning targets and outcomes, but tailored for student needs.

World History PBL

Website: https://sites.google.com/site/pblancientcivilizations/

We created a website to collect resources and develop with more experience.

How the PBL changed for classes

AP World History- This group of students were able to use the planned PBL without modification.

Geography and History of the World- This group needed many skills before using the planned PBL. Additional training in research, citations and use, primary sources, and presentations were needed. A different rubric was created for this group to adapt to these changes.

The ultimate goals of the PBL stayed the same.

Alignment of

Curriculum

Sarah Chuck

Students did not have all the necessary skills that were needed.

I spend a great amount of time on research skill and primary sources.

Students were not used to reading rubrics for expectations. They did not understand them.

Students did not include all the information that I expected.

It was hard for me to step back from the direct instruction.

Students were not fully prepared to do the level of research the project required.

What we experienced

Things that we are now aware of for future PBLs

More research skills will be introduced. This will lead to more collaboration with the English department and Media Center.

The more examples and models the better.

Have a period of time before presenting so that we could examine projects for missing information and revisions.

Student Reactions

“This made me really think about how those people lived.”

“I wish more teachers will do this.”“Will we do more of these? I hope

so.”“This was stressful. We slacked off

and really had to work at the end. Yeah, I know you told me.”

“Cool way to learn.”“I thought this would easy. I had

to worker harder than usual, but it was fun.”

“Everyone should be made to dress up.”

Will we do PBLs Again?

YES! Thank you for this training and opportunity!

We have developed additional PBLs for world religions, movements in U.S. History, and genocides.