I have been thinking of different PBL projects that I have been apart of. I really haven't been apart of something as in depth as the video on the Geometry class. That was amazing, especially since I am a Geometry teacher. I love seeing projects like this (especially real-world context projects), because I do many projects throughout the year with my students. They are on a much smaller scale than the architecture project in the video, but I try to make them just as meaningful.
In the readings they mentioned a couple of times that it can be difficult to create a full-scale PBL classroom environment, and I have to agree with this. I also agree that once you reach the full-scale project implementation that it can be very rewarding. For me, from a timing standpoint, it's difficult to implement a full-scale project and still have time for everything else. The way that our class schedule is currently (90 mins every other day) it's difficult for students to retain information from class to class - especially over the weekend, when I see them on Thu/Mon or Fri/Tues. That's a long time between classes.
As far as my project, I don't have much more to report at this time. I'm still thinking of what to do. I will be planning out where I will be in my curriculum as I work on my Pre-Plan assignment. So, I should have something more concrete before Wednesday.
I hope everyone has a great week!
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I hadn't even thought about block scheduling making PBL more difficult. I agree, though- with so much time between classes, it would be difficult for students to just "pick up where they left off." But, like you said, maybe smaller-scale PBL projects would be the right answer for you. Maybe there are even some small PBL projects that you could complete in one class period and share with the group in the next period. I think that IS a benefit of block scheduling because you have more time in each class to work on things like projects!
ReplyDeleteGood luck figuring everything out this week! I look forward to hearing what you decide!
I agree that PBL at a full-scale level can be rewarding, especially after watching the architecture project video.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with your statement about timing dealing with the block schedule. I also teach on the block schedule at the middle school level and it can be frustrating how students forget things between the three day weekend gap.
Good luck with your project idea!
I found it interesting to see a different opinion coming from an educator about the 90 minute class time. Originally, I thought that it would be better for students to have longer class periods so that you could go more in depth with the extra time as opposed to only skimming the surface of a subject before the bell rings in a shorter hour long class. But now I see that the downside to these longer class periods is the fact that students might have to take longer to recall the information learned previously because of the three day weekends like you mentioned. I'm glad that I can see both sides to this, and the opinion is from an actual teacher in the classroom, instead of a principal or something!
ReplyDeleteAs far a you project, don't worry about not having much to report on. Mine kind of changes from week to week, so I know how you feel! Good luck with it!
I bet your students will enjoy a PBL project. It would be a great idea to document it as if you are writing a research paper and you may publish it and present at a conference. Good luck!
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