Adam+and+Felecia+and+Diane

Here is our group's definition of Problem Based Learning:

Problem based learning is....

Here are the principles for designing a PBL How to Implement and Plan:


 * 1) Begin with the End in Mind:** Take a look at objectives, standards or any other data that may be beneficial to student achievement and learning.


 * 2) Craft the Driving Question:** Ask a question. or create a problem that captures students' interests and immerses them into the project. Remember, the problem should encourage students to be problem solvers and critical thinkers.


 * 3) Plan the Assessment:** Once set outcomes have been determined, a balanced assessment plan should be implemented to ensure that all objectives are covered. Assessment should also be occurring continuously and should be part of the process, as well as the product. Students should also be aware of what they are being assessed on.


 * 4) Map the Project:** Basically, this is where the teacher takes the plan and puts all the components together. It might be a good idea to give the PBL a "test-drive" to make sure all glitches are worked out.


 * 5) Manage the Process:** The teacher becomes the facilitator. Students now take ownership of their work and embrace it.

ASSESSMENT: The role of assessment in PBL is to advance learning. This means assessment should be authentic and performance-based in order to determine if students can use what they are learning instead of merely absorbing information and taking a test. Students can be assessed on performances and products that require the kinds of challenges they will face in the real world. Therefore, students are encouraged and expected to demonstrate what they are learning in a wide range of activities, assignments, projects, and so forth. Assessment is ongoing, just like in real the real world.

The question has been asked about how PBL support NCLB. Please note the humorous picture we found:



Although the thought of having all children in the country up to grade level by 2014 is ludicrous, PBL could support NCLB by asking that all students step up to the bar and reach for on-level (or above) thinking skills. However, with stipulations put forth by NCLB, many teachers feel like the gentleman in the cartoon above. Teachers should use PBL because it helps prepare students for the real world. Learning is relevant and students will become more involved in their learning.

MULTIMEDIA USES

Multimedia would have almost limitless usages and applications in PBL. We with what we've learned about how students learn today, many of the vehicles they use for learning are technology based. It would be detrimental for educators to NOT incorporate technology into PBL's.

Check out this article on incorporating multimedia into PBL's. On the second page, the author shows a great diagram of the transition of traditional teaching, to PBL teaching, to multimedia focused PBL teaching.

Multimedia in PBL

SOCIAL NETWORKING USES

Social networking would offer great possibilities when using project based learning in the classroom. Most students are already familiar with social networking sites, but using them for academic purposes would add to the real-life relevance learning PBL has to offer. These tools can help expand their networks and create opportunities for students' to connect around topics/ideas of interest.

Using social networking within project based learning in the classroom reflects the world we live in today-it allows us to prepare students to interact and become collaborators in the 21st century world. [[@http://mmadan.wordpress.com/2009/07/22/social-networking-in-the-classroom/|Social Networking in the Classroom

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