Post on 16-Apr-2017
PBL in the English Classroom
PROJECT BASED
LEARNING
PBL: What is it?
‘Project-based learning is a dynamic approach to teaching in which students explore real-world problems and challenges. With this type of active and engaged learning, students are inspired to obtain a deeper knowledge of the subjects they're studying.’
http://www.edutopia.org/project-based-learning
Why should I do it?
WHY PBL?
ENGLISH IS ABOUT COMMUNICATION OF
EXPERIENCE …
ENGLISH IS ABOUT THE WORLD …
CREATORS OF KNOWLEDGE = OWNERS OF KNOWLEDGE
'... the private act of writing bears traces of the primary purpose in language, to share experience ...The skills model is only indirectly aware of such a purpose: its ideal pupils might well be copy-typists …’
Dixon, J (1975) Growth Through English
HSC IS A BLUNT INSTRUMENT … AND WE’RE ALL BEING HACKED TO DEATH BY IT ONE MINDLESS, PRE-PREPARED ESSAY AT A TIME!!
What does PBL look like in the
English classroom?
Year 10 Poetry:
Can Cyborgs Write Poetry?
Product:
Own poem conveying response to DQ. Poem Video
Year 10Novel:
'Can stories help young people in the 21st century develop resilience?’
Product:
Anthology of short stories published as an eBook.
Book launch.
Year 10Shakespeare – Macbeth:
‘What makes an individual powerful?’Product:
Entry into a promotional poster design competition.
What does a PBL classroom
look like?
WHAT ARE THE KEY
ELEMENTS?
DRIVING QUESTION
REAL-WORLD PROBLEM
ASSESSMENT = FORMATIVE & SUMMATIVE
ASSESSMENT:BEGINNING
MIDDLEEND
INVESTIGATIONS
PRODUCTS
21st CENTURY SKILLS
(Habits of Mind)
PLANNING
REFLECTION
REAL-WORLD AUDIENCE
PUBLIC CELEBRATION OF LEARNING
What tools do I need?
TOOLS• PLANNING, RUNNING, REFLECTION PROFORMA
(edmodo)• rubistar• edmodo• netbooks/ipods/iphones/laptops/computers• google docs• PBL online scaffolds• Video cameras and video editing software• internet
What skills do I need?
SKILLS• persistence• patience• creativity• good rapport with your students• resilience• learn to manage team work• leadership
What problems will I
encounter?
PROBLEMS• resistance from students (esp. top students)• frustration of students• frustration with systems (assessment schedule,
external examinations)• lack of team-work skills from students• lack of research skills in students• passive learners• parents: is my child learning?
Where do I go for resources?
RESOURCES• EDUTOPIA: http://www.edutopia.org/project-based-learning • BUCK INSTITUTE FOR EDUCATION:http://www.bie.org/ • PBL ONLINE:http://pbl-online.org/
Where do I go for support,
help, inspiration?
HELP• edmodo:
http://davidson.edmodo.com/biancahewes
• twitter:
@biancah80• blog:
www.biancahewes.wordpress.com
Let’s have a go!
DQ: How can using PBL empower your students to ‘own’
their knowledge of Shakespeare’s
Romeo and Juliet?
YOUR TASKS …
Task 1:
PLANWhat is your Driving Question?
(10 minutes)
Task 2:
INVESTIGATION What is your project
outline including products, focus
skills and content? (10 minutes)
TASK 3:
PRESENTPitch your project idea to the group.
(10 minutes)
HELP??!!• edmodo:
http://davidson.edmodo.com/biancahewes
• twitter:
@biancah80• blog:
www.biancahewes.wordpress.com