Project-Based Learning (PBL) Explored

           Project-based learning, commonly referred to as PBL, and is often used by educators within the school system. We have all, in some way or another participated in activities driven by PBL, often without our knowledge! Personally, I was not aware that PBL even existed, let alone know what it was used for. Luckily, Google brought a simple video to my attention that briefly explained what PBL is, how it is used, and why it is important. The video I am speaking of is located below so feel free to get a general feel for the topic as I will be exploring PBL further in this post!

            

       The Buck Institute of Education (BIE) defines PBL as being a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to an engaging and complex question, problem, or challenge. In other words, PBL works to provide a wide variety of choices that interest students so that productivity is increased, while receiving the benefits of completing tasks that fulfill curriculum expectations. According to the BIE, there are eight essential project design elements associated with PBL and they are:

      ·         Key knowledge, understanding, and success skills
      ·         Challenging problem or question
      ·         Sustained inquiry
      ·         Authenticity
      ·         Student voice and choice
      ·         Reflection
      ·         Critique and revision
      ·         Public product

     These elements are further explained on the BIE’s website as well as recommended articles that are related to the topic of PBL. The BIE is a great resource as it provides a vast amount of information, many of which are available as literature, videos, and/or are interactive! One resource that was linked through the BIE which I found to be quite interesting was that of a PBL rubric. A rubric is presented ready to use and there is a brief description about why and how to use it in teaching PBL. I found this to be a helpful tool for teacher candidates like myself, as well as in-service educators who may require some guidance.

Old vs. New Learning. (Wiener, 2015).
Retrieved from http://ideaschoolsnetwork.com/tag/problem-based-learning/.

      PBL has been slowly emerging in the school systems more and more each year, so much so that there are mass seminars being held across the world! PBL World is an example of a gathering of people who teach, learn, and discuss PBL on behalf of the BIE and in doing so, expand the opportunity for students to succeed in the classroom. It is important to remember that PBL is a universal tool, and therefore is not subject specific. It is time to focus on teaching material that is relatable in the twenty-first century; captivates the interests of students and by allowing them more freedom, creativity is unleashed resulting in thought provoking work!

     Edutopia is another useful resource that houses many articles and links to other resources. A particular post that focuses on how to personalize PBL is especially useful. The post is “6 Strategies to Truly Personalize PBL” and is written by Andrew Miller, an educational consultant and online educator. The post itself outlines specific strategies associated with PBL and provides a description of each, allowing for a more in-depth understanding of how it pertains to the classroom. The strategies mentioned are:

 ·         Know the whole child

·         Scaffold questioning

·         Know and align the standards or outcomes

·         Build the infrastructure

·         Assess often

·         Get out of the way

These six strategies are necessary to ensure that the implementation of PBL in the classroom is beneficial to students and that success is indeed achieved at the end of the activity. Generally speaking, success would be the result of students learning core ideas and values and understanding how to apply them to a task, as well as overall knowledge gathered on the topic explored.  In addition, this post relates to the principles for Media Studies outlined in the Ontario Curriculum, as it provides endless opportunities for students to use different mediums in order to complete a research project. For instance, by following the six strategies found in this post, you allow students to explore web based resources instead of just written texts. My one caution would be to take the strategies listed as a general guide when applying them to research tasks, and would adjust accordingly dependant on age group and subject matter. For instance, if you give too much freedom, the topic could become too broad or not relatable to a core concept.

Education World is another great resource for educators that provides lesson plans and helpful guides on how to incorporate PBL in the classroom. There are also a whole host of project suggestions and ideas that are appropriate for different grade levels which is really great. Also, this resource has lots of other interesting information on assessment and classroom management which is handy to have, especially for teacher candidates who are new to the profession and are in need of some guidance.

As an application of PBL in a grade five class, I may provide them with a guiding question such as "What environmental and other factors contribute to the development of asthma in Germany (the place can be tailored to sync up with material being learned in Geography or other subjects)?" I would then have them work in groups of two to four and require them to find information using a book/literature, video, online article, and any other form they choose. I would then proceed to show them the time line of what should be done by when and how feedback will be given. It will be up to the groups to decide how they will be dividing the work. I then would remind them that they are free to express their research any way they choose. Some suggestions I would provide are word processed, power point/prezi/pow-toon presentation, a video, or a recording. A presentation may or may not accompany their work, it depends on the time frame among other factors. 

By proving a guiding question that is relatively interesting to the class (prevalence of asthma is quite high), it engages them and keeps them focused. Also, giving freedom across how the information is compiled and presented plays to different learning types, which allows students to absorb the information in the way that is best suited for them. As seen through my structure, some guidance is needed to ensure that key elements are covered for assessment reasons (links between gathering and interpreting information through various media forms). 

PBL is here to stay so it is important for educators to be well equipped with the right tools so that we are able to provide the best opportunities for our students to be successful at whatever they do. Since PBL is applicable to all areas of study, it is classified as a core concept and therefore is easily translated to real life situations. Preparing students to collaborate effectively and explore interests will teach them how to follow their passions and work well with others in the process! PBL is virtually the same around the world, varying slightly due to interpretations, but for the most part, it is the same. Technological advancements also make PBL easier to integrate in the classroom and adds a much needed “fun” aspect to learning!