Project Based Learning: Connecting Learning to Life
Traditional classrooms are lead by teachers and are driven by mandated curriculum calendars; PBL classrooms are directed by the interests of the students, and are guided by a teacher who infuses their learning with developmentally designed, standards based lessons. Evaluations are based on rubrics, to motivate individual and collaborative academic success. |
What We KnowStudents begin every project exploring what they know about a topic. In the picture above, students built their community out of blocks.
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What We Need to KnowA gap exists between what students know, and what they want to learn. Learning is focused around a driving question. Driving questions often stem from "entry events" created by the teacher to spark interest in a certain topic of interest.
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What We have LearnedOnce students have masterd academic content, they determine a way to show what they know. Students sing, dance, display, report, record, and have exhibits to demonstrate their learning. Presentations give children a way to connect their learning to real life for an authentic audience.
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