Project-Based Learning - Session 4

Looking over the past few weeks, I've really come to a better understanding of what Project Based Learning is and how it can be used in a variety of ways with all levels of students. I've found it's not easy to jump in and do one because it means giving up some control over what I've been used to doing. I do like the fact that students are more in control of their learning as it really excites them and makes coming to school a joy instead of a chore, especially when they get to focus on their topic of choice within a curricular area. The more choices the student gets to make, the more excited they become about the project. I've seen this when I started the Caldecott Unit project with the third graders. They were excited to go on the Internet and do a scavenger hunt. They also were happy when they learned they were going to make a multimedia class project for their parents to see at Open House in May as well as hold a mock Caldecott Award vote with books they haven't seen yet. They're the ones who get to make the final decisions.
I can see their incentive for learning increase when they get to do some of the same things that their parents do. When the students were taught to scan, and one student was teaching another, one third grade student said to me, "I get to scan pictures like my dad! He scans pictures for his work all the time. He makes labels."
At that point, another student said, "My mom does, too!" I could see the excitement in their eyes and actions. They were learning something their parents do all the time and felt their learning was real world and relevant.
The impact it's had on me was just as relevant. I was excited to see the students learn and get involved in researching their author. Developing the unit has taken a while but is well worth the effort. It'll be great to see their class projects, presentations and votes.