Double Entry Journal #15

Give an example of an authentic form of assessment the students engaged in a PBL performed well on?

“Students were asked to apply the concepts of geometry to architecture and submit designs for a new playhouse for a community center. Upon evaluating these designs, 84 percent of the submissions were judged to be accurate enough to build. This is an impressive measure of achievement. Moreover, students were able to revise their designs after consulting resources, which demonstrates a high level of motivation that is uncommon in traditional learning settings. Furthermore, these students demonstrated a solid grasp of the concepts and were able to perform well on traditional tests (Thomas 2000).”

How does project based learning promote intrinsic motivation?

Project based learning promotes intrinsic motivation by allowing students to learn on their own level and style, as well as to create their own culminating product. This type of learning is motivational to students because it addresses real-life subjects that students are interested in gaining knowledge about. It challenges the students and allows them to investigate solutions using all resources. The students are also able to get motivated because often the final products are viewed by an audience.

What do students who experience PBL do better than student who receive traditional direct instruction?

Students who experience PBL do many things than students who receive traditional direct instruction. These students are more capable to plan, organize, work cooperatively, gain intrinsic motivation, show creativity, use technology resources, make real-world connections, and create success from the beginning.

How does PBL align with John Dewey's philosophy of education?

PBL aligns with John Dewey’s philosophy of education because they both push for learning that is not the traditional textbook driven. Dewey believes that students need to experience and interact with the curriculum, as well as take part in their own learning. Project based learning is a student-driven learning approach that actively engages the students. PBL is an approach that focuses on the interests and experiences of students. During PLB, students learn by finding resources and producing a final product; which is learning by doing.

Why do our assessment practices need to change if we are going to prepare students for the 21st century?

Assessment practices need to change because they are designed to get recall knowledge and get a grade by paper and pencil. In order for students to be ready to succeed in the 21^st century, they need to be able to solve problems, create products, get a job, etc. Jobs aren’t judged on a written test; they are judged on the performance of a person. This brings into play outcomes, social skills, group work, planning, and organization. Project based learning incorporates these qualities. Therefore, educators need to change assessment practices and teaching styles to prepare students for the 21^st century.

Reference

Thomas, J. W. (2000). A review of research on PBL. http://www.bobpearlman.org/BestPractices/PBL Research.pdf (accessed February 28, 2009).