A. Introduction to Networked Project-Based Learning
1. What is Project Based Learning (PBL)?
In research conducted by the AutoDesk Foundation, teachers
from seventeen schools agreed that PBL exhibited similar characteristics:
Characteristics of project- based learning
- Students
make decisions within a prescribed framework.
-
Theres
a problem or challenge without a predetermined solution.
-
Students
design the process for reaching a solution.
-
Students
are responsible for accessing and managing the information they gather.
-
Evaluation
takes place continuously.
-
Students
regularly reflect on what theyre doing.
-
A
final product (not necessarily material) is produced and is evaluated for quality.
-
The
classroom has an atmosphere that tolerates error and change.
Generally speaking,
students engaged in a project...
- ...have some choice in deciding
what they will work on.
- ...plan
their own project.
- ...participate
in defining criteria and rubrics to assess their project.
- ...solve
problems they encounter while working on their project.
- ...make
some sort of presentation of their project.
The project-based learning approach creates
a "constructivist" learning environment in which students construct their
own knowledge. Whereas in the "old school" model the teacher was
the task master -- in the "new school" model the teacher becomes the
facilitator. See graphic comparing two models. |