Project-based instruction is that which engages learners in completing a project (a concrete, measurable outcome) which ideally relates to their interests. In completing the project, (a) students work in teams and alone, (b) develop academic (math, science, listening, reading, writing, reasoning) and other work-based skills (analysis, evaluation, reflection, association, flexibility, timeliness, responsibility), and (c) assess their progress through performance of tasks and final outcome.
Learning is invisible and only substantiated or observed by its outcomes. Both students and instructors benefit from "seeing" learning take place.
For many students whom the system has failed to retain, project completion can be a first step toward self-reliance. The more confidence a student has, the more that student is willing to risk to learn more. Concept-based education relies on that self-confidence and on that willingness to risk failure. Project-based learning then can lead into concept-based instruction with higher academic expectations.
Browse through the project-based lessons created by educators in Colorado and published on this site.
Why Project Based Learning
http://www.philsch.k12.pa.us/teachers/frameworks/projects/bodybo02.htm
An excerpt from Howard Gardners "Frames of Mind: the Theory of Multiple Intelligences" helps to explain the reason for the success of project based learning. The site discusses the SCANS skills as determined for success in the workplace and how project based learning helps to achieve them. Click on the "Cross Cutting Competencies" section and listen to the video explain how the Philadelphia school system is using project based learning to achieve the competencies that "are the thinking and reasoning abilities that cut across and are common to all subject areas. They are the skills and knowledge that students need to succeed in college, in the workplace, and in their roles as members of various diverse communities."
World NetPBL
Sponsored by the World Bank
http://www.worldbank.org/worldlinks/english/training/world/pbl/whatis.htm
Learn the characteristics of project based learning and read success stories from teachers using project based learning in their classrooms. Visit the examples from school districts that have successfully incorporated pbl into the curriculum. The guide to planning projects gives a general yardstick to use in creating your own classroom project or you may prefer to use the guide to finding a project for collaboration with another educator. There is a step by step section that will guide you through planning, organizing and conducting a simple networked project.
Warming UP
from the National Institute of Literacy
http://novel.nifl.gov/susanc/warmind.htm
The page is a step by step preparation to project based learning. It gives background information for an Oregon project that is a good model for the use of the internet for project based learning. When you arrive at the press conference you will find many resources for incorporating the internet into project based learning. Be sure to visit the link to NASA's classroom of the future or study the migratory habits of an animal you select at Journey North... The site also offers a collection of links to other resources for teachers.
The Challenge 2000 Multimedia Project
from San Mateo County: In September 2000, the Multimedia Project was cited as one of two Exemplary Educational Technology Programs by the US Dept of Education's educational technology expert panel
This site offers an administrative section with a project overview and evaluation information. There is a discussion project based learning using multimedia and a scoring rubric as well. You may view curriculum ideas, specific activities, database and analysis of projects or you may communicate with teachers involved in the project. The curriculum activities section is especially helpful with its technical assistance areas which offer tutorials for storyboarding and other multimedia guides.
Technology Works! Technology Success Stories
http://www.siia.net/sharedcontent/divisions/education/stories/mendochino.html
This is the story of how rural Mendocino Unified School District brought project based learning to the community. "The Mendocino unified program is an example of how technology can be integrated to enhance a K-12 project-based learning curriculum. Mendocino exemplifies:
This project provides a valuable model for rural districts that wish to improved the standards of education through the use of technology.
Online Project Based Learning Projects
http://www.michaelmino.com/courses/FSC/PBLSM00.html
Some great lesson plans and projects that have been shared by educators. The coin project is a lot of fun. Though a few links are no longer active, there are still many that make this site a worthwhile visit.
Technology Integrated Lesson Plan
http://hale.pepperdine.edu/~kahayden/necc/lessonplan.html
Use this template to help you create your own project based lesson plan. When you are ready to create your assessment rubric, click on the link and go to the DiscoverySchool's page of rubric samples. You will find sample rubrics for every need you may have.
http://www.designshare.com/Research/Wolff/Project_Learning.htm
Design Features for
Project-Based Learning
Susan J. Wolff, Ed.D.
"This publication is a condensed version of a doctoral research study by Susan Wolff entitled 'Relationships among People and Spaces: Design Features for the Optimal Collaborative, Project-Based Learning Experience.'
http://www-tcall.tamu.edu/newsletr/sum00/sum00a.htm
Project-Based Learning: Don't Dictate, Collaborate!
by
Louise Sanders, ABE/GED
Instructor
Bridges Adult Learning Center, Lubbock, Texas
http://www.project-approach.com/
Project-Based approaches in early childhood and elementary education. All you need to know on one site!
by Sylvia C. Chard
Associate Professor Early Childhood Education
http://www.4teachers.org/projectbased/
This site contains lots of information and links to support the use of projects as a means of learing.