Article: "Get started with project-based learning"
I found this article some time ago from Microsoft's Help and How to section!
It is well worth a read!
This article (no authorship acknowledged) explores project-based learning pointing out the benefits of PBL:
1. Addresses real-life issues
2. Stresses problem-solving skills
3. Has the teacher serve as facilitator
4. Lets students self-assess progress
One firm belief - and one which I hold is that students, will cover the content but they will explore it and find the information themselves when using Project (or Problem) Based Learning rather than be given the information or be spoon-feed the information from teachers.
Why use project-based learning in the classroom? (Great Question!)
This is a crucial question for teachers - because it takes a lot to change. It takes good reasons to change.
What did this article say?:
"Project-based learning encourages students to think analytically and incorporate current technologies in their assignments. It also encourages students to use inquiry to understand the world around them and construct meaning from their own experiences. Project-based learning assignments also do the following:
Motivate students
Encourage advanced thinking skills (something that employers want)
Promote collaboration
Teach the latest technologies (there was a subtle plug for Microsoft products here)
Then the article goes on to list WebQuests and Research Investigations as types of project-based learning frameworks.
Getting Started with project-based learning
The author suggests that teachers:
1. explore examples of WebQuests - If you want a review of thousands of WebQuests (to know which are great and which are lousy) you could sign up to WebQuest Direct [individual subscription is only $US41/year or $AU65) - hope that was subtle enough plug!; or, you could go to Bernie Dodge's website to see lots of WebQuests and figure out yourself which are great ones.
2. Identify your curricular focus, and construct your question or problem. This is crucial. It has to be an open-ended question! Also, look to the curriculum area that you have found the students thought was boring - that is the one to explore as a WebQuest.
3. Select a framework - I suggest you use a WebQuest as it is so rewarding to the students.
4. Identify technology tools - this is an ever changing area but certainly the one where the students can show the teachers new tools!!
Overall: a good article to get you motivated to use WebQuests if you haven't already!
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