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(tennesa) Contributors: [|Tennesa], [|Sienna], [|Jolene], [|Claire] and [|Daniel] (Jolene)
 * Project Based Learning **

**What is Project-Based Learning? **
Project based learning (PBL) is an instructional approach based on group learning activities targeting students' interests. Projects focus on solving real world problems with hands on activities generally reflecting the work people do outside of school. PBL focuses on in depth [|collaborative learning] and should encourage students to resolve a problem or create a solution in a group based environment.(Daniel)

(Tennesa)

**Why use PBL in Education? **
Project based learning is in education because it links students together to solve problems. This enables the students to not only solve the problem given to them, but any problems brought on by the group setting as well. Students will then have to strengthen their social skills to know how to get through the project using the resources the other members bring as well as the problems and conflicts that occur between group members. (Claire)

**Project Based Learning encourages students because it: **

 * Creates an open ended [|driving question] or challenge
 * Creates need to know essential content and skills
 * Requires inquiry to learn and/or create something new
 * Requires critical thinking, problem solving collaboration, and various forms of problem solving
 * Allows some degree of student voice and choice
 * Incorporates feedback and revision
 * Results in a publicly presented product or performance

 (Jolene)(Sienna)

<span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%;">Planning a PBL Lesson

 * **<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Begin with the end in mind. **
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Project Description, Product, and Curriculum Connection: Ask yourself: "What do you want the students to create? Why are they creating it?"
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Then work backwards from there. Use curriculum and standards to direct your planning.
 * **<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Craft the driving question. **
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Break down the project theme into a significant, meaningful question. It should require [|higher-level thinking] to answer it.
 * **<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Plan the assessment. **
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Every project should be driven by an explicit set of outcomes that encompass the content and skills students are expected to learn. The assessment is share with students at the beginning of the project and throughout the process.
 * **<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Map the project. **.
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">A project map is the step-by-step process the students go through to complete the project. It provides the sequence of activities, structures the project, and directs students. The project should be centered around hands-on activities and should include plans for [|differentiation].
 * **<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Manage the process. **
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Although PBL looks chaotic, successful projects are carefully managed by teachers. Teachers become facilitators and guides. They do not transmit information. Students learn to manage themselves and take responsibility for their own work. Self-assessment is built into the project. Teachers can manage the process through checkpoints, milestones, employing problem-solving skills, and using authentic assessment.
 * **<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Give the project time. **
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">PBL takes time...A LOT of time...both in planning and execution. Projects may last weeks, months, even the entire school year.
 * **<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Integrate technology throughout the project. **
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">The integration of technology should be seamless and meaningful. This means employing the use of technology in ways that make sense and enhance the experience. PBL projects that truly integrate technology cannot be completed without it.
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Identify specific forms of technology to be used. There are numerous forms of technology available...from basics such as the internet, computers, printers, scanners, and document cameras to cutting edge technology such as SMART boards, cell phones, digital cameras, and GPS devices (to name a few).
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Describe how the technology listed will be used. Make sure readers have a clear understanding of how to use the technology required to complete the project.
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">Don't forget software or web apps! If your project requires specific titles, list them as well.

<span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">(Jolene, Claire)

<span style="color: #0000ff; font-family: Georgia,serif; font-size: 110%; line-height: 21px;"> Resources:

 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="wiki_link_ext"><span class="wiki_link_ext">[|Intro to Project Based Learning] - this sight gives a broad overview into what project based learning is all about. (Jolene)
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">[|Make Your Own Project-Based Lesson Plan]-this site allows one to create their very own PBL, and it gives teachers a opportuniy to plan a lesson plan of thier own. (Tennesa)
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="wiki_link_ext">[|PBL Explanation and Examples]- This sight will help break down the A, B and C's of project based learning. (Claire)
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;"><span class="wiki_link_ext">[|Why teach with PBL]- This site shows us the many benefits of using project based learning.
 * <span style="font-family: Georgia,serif;">[|How to Design PBL]- This website gives insight on how to build a great PBL. (Sienna)

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