PLN4+Main+Page

= The Oregon Trail =

By: [|Shannon] [|Eliza] [|Nichole] [| Alisa] [|Kristen]

What is Project-Based Learning **:**
Project based learning (PBL) is an instructional approach relating questions and technology relative to students' everyday lives. These activities are input to answer a question or solve problems to enhance learning of indviduals in the classroom. PBL is meant to take learning to a deeper level. Some skills included are communication and presentation skills, time management and organization skills, research, self assessment, reflection, group participation, and leadership skills. PBL is commonly completed by groups or individuals that extend for a period of time resulting in a product, presentation, or performance. Pbls are learner centered and the why is more important than the how. Without individual accomplishments, the project cannot be completed. PBLs allow students to better themselves with regard to their ideas, opinions, choice, and research skills.

Why Use Project-Based learning:
You should use project bases learning because it reinforces interaction or collaboration with others. According to research done on the subject students are more likely to retain the knowledge they gain from the project, because it is hands on, and interactive. There many difference elements that are involved in the process which enable students to see their fellow group members strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities to grow. It allows students to take in information from a variety of perspectives and makes connections to really life experiences and situations. It is an easy way to integrate technology into the classroom.

Learn more about Project-Based Learning:
 * [|Edutopia]**
 * [|An Introduction to PBL]**
 * [|PBL Online]**
 * [|A Brief Look at PBL]**
 * [|Reinventing PBL]**

Planning a PBL Lesson

 * ** Begin with the end in mind. **
 * Understand various aspects of the Oregon Trail and what it would have been like to experience. Hone creative writing skills.
 * ** Craft the driving question. **
 * Why do students need to learn about the Oregon Trail? Why is it important?
 * **Plan the assessment.**
 * Each week the students create a "diary" entry on their blog answering that week's questions and explaining how they would deal with the situation they are given.
 * **Map the project.**
 * The project map could easily be created by the guiding teacher based on the bubbl discussion posted
 * **Manage the process.**
 * The teacher observes each blog post and grades based on each student's contribution by their assigned job
 * **Give the project time.**
 * Oregon Trail PBL is set to last 10 weeks total
 * ** Integrate technology throughout the project. **
 * Technology involved in this project includes the use of a blog and using the internet to find information and reliable sources.