Project Based Learning
by Rose Fry
February 22, 2008
Last year, Erie High School received a grant to plan and implement a charter school for grades 9-12. The actual planning had begun well before last year, however. The purpose was to improve the way instruction was being delivered to the students in order to engage them in learning that they could enjoy and take to a higher level, and to provide them with the skills they will need to be successful in this ever-changing world.
To this end, the project-based learning model was researched and found to be one of the best ways to meet our students' needs. Teachers began receiving training in this model and spent a good deal of time developing teacher-generated projects that would appeal to students and meet the state standards at the same time. The move to this instructional model requires a transition, so this fall it was implemented with the seniors in a two-hour block. This spring, they will take it to the next step whereby students will begin projects that they have initiated and are of interest to them. Next fall, juniors will also be included in this model.
What exactly is project-based learning. It is an instructional model that empowers the student to be in charge of his/her learning to a larger extent. A student will design a project with the help of an advisor (teacher), and expert in his field of interest, and a parent. The student will design the project in such a way as to incorporate state standards and regent's standards if he/she desires.Once the project is approved, the student will begin work using resources from the real world. He may call on experts, read books, internet research, enlist the help of an advisor, or do first-hand investigation. There will be checkpoints along the way to ensure that the project is rigorous and on track. A project can be as short as a few days or as long as several years, depending on the topic. Usually, students will have multiple projects going on at the same time. Once a project is completed, the student is required to present his project to an advisory panel which made up of two advisors, an expert in the field and perhaps others. Credit is then awarded based on the standards that were demonstrated and grades on the quality of the work. At least once a year, students are required to do a formal presentation that is open to the public.
This model is appealing to both students, parents, and educators. When students are allowed to choose a topic area they have interest in, the curriculum suddenly becomes relevant to their lives and they are motivated to learn more. Parents are more aware of what their child is learning and can play a role in their education. Educators can can become an advocate for their advisees and a partner with them in their journey.They can ensure rigor in the curriculum and learn right along with them. Learning suddenly takes on a deeper meaning for the student.
In our transition to this model, CUSD#101 has partnered with Edvisions, a cooperative funded by the Bill Gates foundation. You may want to view their website which contains a video about PBL produced by students at a PBL school in Minnesota. Their website is www.edvisions.coop
