Project Based Learning! 2/12/07

Project based learning!

I choose the first article because the graphics got my attention! The title of the article is very catchy. the title of the article is " Pump Yourself up with PBL Learning." The article does really express project-based learning in great detail. The article states many stumbling blocks that will occur when using Project-based learning and serves as a resource guide for teacher that want to learn more about the subject.The article talks about the technology aspect of project based learning. It list books, websites, cd-roms, and conferences that could be used to learn more about project based learning. The one resource that caught my attention was a website titled "Project Approach in Early Childhood and Elementary Education." This resource provides reading and online certitification course for teachers. I found the website and it is link here: http://www.projectapproach.org/
The website includes example kindegarten projects and links to them example: Purposeful Learning :A Study of Water http://ecrp.uiuc.edu/v3n2/dixon.html
The website describes the different phases of devolping a project. This website can service as a reference to help me devolp ideas for my unit. The website and article has made me aware of the different ways that others have created projects and how the project worked out for them.
The second article i choose is called "Designing to Learn." I choose this article because I like the way the author broke the article into section. The article talks about knowing your audience, the standards, great planning, and design skills. The articles expresses the needs that I will need to devolp to create a (PBL). The article explains a need for students to be included in the planning process. I feel that this concept can help keep students engaged. In a kindergarten class, may giving students different options example money game vs. power point game. One student may prefer one option over another. Choosing the option that most interest them will keep them engaged.The article states that you should know your audience! While completing my unit, I should think about the different audience that my exist in a kindergarten class. The article also expresses using templates for the project. I feel that have a template for the unit is an excellent idea!
On the edutopia site, I read an interview by Patty Vreeland, a kindergarten and first-grade teacher at Newsome Park Elementary School. In this interview she describes the way she achieved project-based learning. In her interview she reinforces what the articles stated about project based learning. She states that you should follow standards. She states simply that project based learning is more exciting for the teacher and the student!

Patty Vreeland on Project-Based Learning