Monday, 12 September 2016

Copyright

What is copyright?

Retrieved From: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suMza6Q8J08

Copyright protects things like…music, words, artwork, images, choreography, sound recordings, dramatic works, writing, etc… the list can go on. Copyright is a law that gives you ownership over things you create and protects your original work. Creative Commons (CC) set out licenses that enable authors to declare how their work/creations can be used by others in their original works which includes attribution, share-alike, non-commercial and no derivative works. It is important to give credit to the authors and creators where it is due, because if you do not…this results in plagiarism. Plagiarism would be a very important topic to cover towards my students in terms of copyright. Plagiarism is the act of stealing or passing off the words or ideas of someone and using it as one’s own. It is using someone else’s work without crediting the source. Especially in terms of writing, I would plan a mini lesson on how to prevent plagiarism from occurring. For example, start out with steps on planning to write a paper (i.e. consult with your instructor, take effective notes). While writing the paper, it is crucial to keep in mind when you are ever having any doubts about citing, do it anyway! Make it clear who said what in your paper and also know how to paraphrase. Lastly, analyze and evaluate your sources (not all sources are legitimate, so make sure you double check them). This website explains the simple steps discussed on avoiding plagiarism: Preventing Plagiarism
Retrieved From: http://bookwormtranslations.com/copyright-
law-and-translation-what-you-need-to-know/                               Retrieved From: http://www.fastweb.com/student-news/articles/could-copying-                                                                                                               homework-lead-to-a-course-failure-these-test-results-prove-the-answer-is-yes                                

What is Genius Hour?

Welcome back! 

What exactly is Genius Hour?

Genius hour is a time that allows students to discover their own passions and motivates creativity in the classroom environment. Genius hour doesn't necessarily mean that students only get one hour to complete the activity. It can range from 30 minutes of class activities to months of hard passion-based projects. Imagine working on and creating something you absolutely love? Students in this case, will be more determined and take more initiative to complete their final task. They communicate and connect with teachers and even peers to plan and produce and community members to form a sense of purpose for their work. The main goal of Genius hour is student-centered, providing students with freedom to design their own learning. 

Wednesday, 30 March 2016

Love is Power: Passion-Based Learning

Welcome back!

...What is Passion?

 “Create something that will make the world awesome.” – Kid President



When I think of passion I think of love, desire, emotion, power, feeling, strength and belief. Passion is something that comes from the heart and what is strongly rooted inside of a person. Passion is fire; it is a force that can inspire, move and strengthen people. As future educators, we need to bring passion into learning, teaching and everything in between. Passion has the ability to motivate students in ways that you could have never thought were possible. It enables students to overcome challenges in order to attain a goal that is meaningful and desirable to them. Passion-Based Learning (PBL) requires both the student and the teacher, where the student takes control over his or her learning which is led by meaning and is positively guided by the teacher. All students have something significant to bring to the table, and with the proper guidance and motivation by teachers, students can feel confident enough to ignite the fire inside. However, there is a problem. There is an extreme lack of passion-driven teaching and learning going on in classrooms today.

Reflecting back in elementary school, I could confidently say there was a strong absence of PBL in almost every classroom I was taught in, except one. The most memorable learning experience I had as a child was in sixth grade. I had never been in a classroom with such drive, motivation and most importantly passion, and my teacher of course was the main reason for this love of learning. Every lesson he would teach would literally fall into a life lesson and we would always come out of it learning something significant. He would make each and every one of his students feel so important by pointing out positive characteristics about them, freely expressing this in front of the whole class. What stood out the most about my grade six teacher was his ability to believe. He strongly believed in not only himself, but in all of us. Many teachers trust to believe that their students are not self-directed or independent learners. They often think that the key to learning is strictly having the teacher telling their students what to do, say and think. We have trained students into thinking that this way of learning is the only way, but with skillful teaching it is possible to un-train them.

Retrieved From: http://seanrtech.blogspot.ca/2014/02/the-project-problem-inquiry-passion.html

 Professor Lane discussed two approaches to getting a child passionate about something. First, you must find out what each child is innately passionate about. By doing this, you have to get to know your students. Having knowledge about students will allow teachers to refine lessons, discussions and activities so that they are more effective learning experiences. References to student backgrounds, interests and knowledge can set the classroom setting into a more personal atmosphere while making the material more accessible. Secondly, you must be an instructor that radiates passion for the topic, and infect your students with that excitement (Ramirez, 2013). You must show students why you love the topic by sharing your passion; get excited about what you’re teaching! Even the most difficult and boring topics can be the most fascinating ones to learn about. For example, subjects such as math or science might not be the strongest area of learning for some students, but if they are taught with enthusiasm and inspiration students will be hooked with desire and curiosity like they never were before. Teachers must have a beginner’s mindset while teaching, visualizing how what they are teaching about would look to students if they are seeing it for the first time (Ramirez, 2013). With this of course, comes patience and passion. 25 Ways to Institute Passion-Based Learning in the Classroom is an excellent website of how to incite the passion in your own students.


Retrieved From: http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/2016/feb/09/bring-googles-20-time-to-your-classroom-with-passion-based-learning
A love of learning is a crucial skill to obtain in the 21st century. If you love what you are learning, chances are that the product of your learning will be more successful and meaningful. Over the course of the term, I have learned about the many different 21st century skills and literacies, and how important they are to incorporate into the curriculum and teaching practices. Critical literacy is the most significant skill when it comes to PBL as it encourages students to explore, question, investigate, take action and create. Independence is a skill that students will grasp and be comfortable with learning through their own passions and also their teacher’s passion of learning. An example of this student-centered inquiry that was presented in lecture is “Genius Hour.” During this hour, students are given free time to follow their passion as it guides students to inquire, reflect and learn. The students start their projects by choosing and researching a topic that they find most intriguing and create a presentation in which they can share the relevant knowledge they obtained. The assessment is self-assessment and teachers help facilitate the sessions, while giving feedback throughout the process. Collaboration and communication is another 21st century skill that is included in Genius Hour where students are encouraged to support and have valuable discussions with their peers. Students will actually feel confident sharing their ideas with their peers because these projects are created from the students themselves which is something to definitely feel proud of. With PBL also comes self-regulation. Students who are motivated to achieve a particular goal will participate in self-regulatory activities they feel will help them reach that goal. Self-regulated learning includes planning, monitoring, evaluation and ultimately control of one’s learning in order to maximize it (Gerstein, 2015). 

The video displayed below is “Part 2” of the video Professor Lane presented us in lecture. It is about students attending Covenant Christian School in Australia who have created their own passion-based projects over a semester. As you’re watching, try and see if you can find any 21st century literacies that these students used to complete their projects.


One project that stood out to me was the refugee novel. A female student wrote and illustrated a novel about refugees as this was a topic she wanted people to have a better understanding of. She wanted the world to see the hardships refugees face. Multicultural and global literacy are present in this project as her novel represents refugees from all over the world and what they go through; there is a major emphasis on global awareness. Moral literacy is also presented in her project as she wrote in a way where she wants readers to truly empathize and consider the life of a refugee. Most importantly, critical literacy was used here as she took the time to brainstorm, research, plan, write and create a novel. Time management, patience and independence were key in completing a successful project. Reflecting back, I could safely say I had no idea what my passion was at all until I entered high school. Even until this day I can confidently say I have done nothing about my passion. My passion has always been to act. I took Dramatic Arts for about 3 years in high school and performed in a play. Other than that, I haven’t acted outside of the school setting. I felt a sense of control when I acted, that I never felt before. I felt like I could be my true self, without even actually being “myself.” I felt confident at what I was doing because I was passionate about it. However, my true passion has existed with me ever since I was a child, and that is to teach. The idea of guiding and shaping children to become the best they can possibly be is something that I have always cherished. As a future educator, I will definitely incorporate PBL in my classroom as I would hope for all of my students to show their true passion and be who they truly are.  

Thanks for reading!

Miss Le Pera


Retrieved From: https://michelaurel.wordpress.com/2012/07/05/filsafat-feminisme/




References

Ramirez, A. (2013). Passion-Based Learning. Retrieved March 29, 2016, from http://www.edutopia.org/blog/passion-
based-learning-ainissa-ramirez


Gerstein, J. (2015). User Generated Education. Retrieved March 29, 2016, from https://usergeneratededucation.wordpress.com/tag/21st-century-skills/


Wednesday, 24 February 2016

The Student Piggy-Bank: Financial Literacy In the Classroom

“JESSICA!” My mother exclaimed. “Your visa bill just came in and it is through the roof!” What? How could this be? I could’ve sworn I only bought one pair of shoes and a pair of jeans within the last two months. Where did all my money go? How did it just disappear into thin air? I thought I was good at managing my money. Didn’t I learn how to do this in school? Reflecting back into my elementary and high school days, I can truthfully say I barely learned anything about money and finances. I mainly remember learning how to count money through mathematical operations in math class and learning about Canada’s economy very briefly in social studies. Even so, I did not learn about the fundamentals and value behind money and how it works economically as a whole. Learning the basics about money and finances is a life skill in which all children and youth should have the opportunity to grasp as students. I find that as a student, this financial experience is often not present in the classroom.

Retrieved From: http://www.curtislibrary.com/2012/04/07/what-is-financial-literacy/


What exactly is financial literacy?

In my own words, financial literacy is having a good understanding of how money works throughout society and the world. It’s about obtaining the proper knowledge on money management, investments and the economy. Many schools across the globe today face this challenge of incorporating adequate and consistent knowledge on financial literacy throughout the curriculum and through teaching instruction. The Ministry of Education does of course integrate some monetary and economic subject in the curriculum, but they are insufficient in achieving optimal financial literacy amongst the student population. It is about what financial content is being included into the curriculum and how educators are delivering this information. Administrators, educators and teachers need to keep in mind the importance of this particular literacy and how beneficial it can be towards a child’s life in the future. The 21st century in which we live, is becoming more complex each day which is why children need to understand the value of money in order to make informed financial decisions. It is important for children and youth to begin their financial journey at a young age in order for them to grasp more complicated concepts in the future. 

Retrieved From: http://www.ufscnet.com/financial-literacy/

According to the Ontario Ministry of Education (2011), financial literacy is defined by having knowledge and skills to make responsible, economic and financial decisions with confidence. Including financial literacy in schools will help students consider: their financial choices and apply it to everyday decisions (DO), understand money management and the economy (KNOW) and participate in society as responsible citizens who can make knowledgeable decisions about investing their money (BE). Critical thinking is a skill that students will obtain while learning about financial literacy as they will be able to formulate their own perspectives on monetary matters personally and within the global economy. Decision making and problem solving are authentic skills that students can apply in the classroom in which they can relate to real-world contexts. From buying candy at the convenient store, to balancing and managing money for post-secondary education, students will have the proper knowledge in responding to these fiscal situations. The main goal of financial literacy is to essentially hope for students to become financially secure in the future by supporting themselves in a healthy and stable way. Having this kind of mindset as educators can make teaching financial literacy all the more rewarding and beneficial as it can have strong impacts on their student’s lives.

Retrieved From: http://hubpages.com/education/k12-kids-and-money

What can we do as teachers? It is essential for teachers to convey strong financial knowledge to students with the objective for them to grow with this knowledge later in life. Part of the reason why I don’t remember much about finances or managing money is because of the way it was taught to me in school. There is no specific subject on financial literacy (although I believe there should be), which is why teachers must thoroughly plan out their lessons and communicate to students in appropriate financial language in which they will understand. In order for teachers to do this, they must first be confident in their own financial knowledge. It should be mandatory for teachers to be educated on financial literacy and exactly what to teach in classrooms. Many teachers might not be as strongly educated in this field, which is why they should be trained and updated on current financial education. Just looking at my financial education background, I know I would definitely benefit from professional development discussions. Learning hands-on and interactively is key for students to gain applicable skills and obtain interest throughout lessons. Teaching through fake money in the classroom for example, can give students a realistic sense of money in general. Bringing guest speakers and experts in the classroom would be another beneficial way of portraying financial importance to students. This way, students can see through the perspectives of professionals and how they deal with money in the real world. Technology is something that should also be included in financial literacy such as videos, computer programs and more, so that they can physically see and apply their knowledge digitally as our world becomes more technologically advanced.
Example of applying financial literacy through a blank budgeting worksheet.
Retrieved from: http://odapmirt.tumblr.com/simple-budget-worksheet-printable


An excellent website that includes numerous resources on financial literacy can be found at this link: CLICK HERE.This site allows you to obtain multiple resources by grade, subject and the specific resource you are looking for. For instance, I searched Grade 4, Social Studies, Interactive Tool and it brought me to this particular resource on the history of money: CLICK HERE. Something as simple and interactive as this video can raise interest and student involvement in class.

Overall, financial literacy teaches students how to be knowledgeable and responsible citizens, economically aware and critical and informed decision makers. Teachers need to make sure that they are not only conveying the correct information to students, but that they are conveying the correct information in a strong and effective way.  The basic skills that students learn now, will have a huge impact on them for the rest of their lives. 

Thanks for reading!

Miss Le Pera



References: 

Ontario Ministry of Education. (2011). Financial Literacy: Scope and Sequence of Expectations. Retrieved from: http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/document/policy/FinLitGr4to8.pdf.




Wednesday, 13 January 2016

A New Chapter: 21st Century Literacies

Welcome back fellow bloggers! I am so excited to continue on my educational journey towards teaching. Previously, the blogs I have posted were based around the course EDUC 4P17 which involved learning about curriculum and classroom assessment. From now onward, I will be blogging about 21st century literacies while taking the course EDUC 4P27. To begin, I would like to give a little introductory and background of myself. My name is Jessica Le Pera or otherwise known as Miss Le Pera, and I am currently in my fourth year at Brock University studying in the Concurrent Education Program at the Primary/Junior level. I have worked with children as soon as I landed my first job at the age of 14 and have worked in daycares, camps and programs where I have taught children both recreationally and academically. I have always aspired to become a teacher as it has been my dream ever since I was a young child. I would always visualize what it would be like to have my very own classroom and would play “teacher” in my room with all of my stuffed animals. I hope for this aspiration to one day come true! 



So what exactly is literacy? What comes to mind when I hear the word literacy, I automatically think.. paper, pencil, writing, reading, words. The truth is, there is so much more to literacy. Already absorbing information from the first lecture of EDUC 4P27, I learned that literacy is about exploring multiple sets of skills and contexts while finding meaning in these practices. This is where 21st century literacies fall into play. Previously, I always thought that 21st century skills meant technology and the future. Well it does, but 21st century skills include so much more. Critical thinking, collaboration, communication and creativity are only just a few aspects of contemporary education that are crucial to have in modern society. Along with 21st century skills, come 21st century literacies, such as critical literacy. Critical literacy in my own words is having the ability to vigorously read and decipher texts that endorses a thorough understanding of underlying concepts that include question and sometimes challenge. I believe it is extremely important as a future educator to guide students with this type of mindset in order for them to not only reach academic success, but success at life itself. Power, reflection, transformation and action as highlighted in lecture, are key points to being critically literate.


There are also many other literacies I hadn’t thought about before that all interconnect to one another. The two literacies that caught my eye the most were global literacy and moral literacy as it is crucial that students learn how to interpret the world around them while being respectful towards ones another. It is also important for teachers to be competent in all literacies to better the knowledge and understanding of their students. I hope to learn more about 21st century skills as a whole and ways to incorporate them into my teaching practices as I am not confident just yet with what I know. I can’t wait to learn about all the different kinds of literacies to strengthen my understanding of this aspect of education and to also become a more competent learner and teacher throughout the whole spectrum of 21st century literacies and skills. We are the future!


Thank you for reading! 

Miss Le Pera

Wednesday, 4 November 2015

TEACHnology (Technology) In The Classroom

Welcome back!


Play this video for a quick look at how advancements in technology have impacted teaching and learning over time:



What is educational technology?

“Educational technology is a combination of the processes and tools involved in addressing educational needs and problems, with an emphasis on applying the most current tools: computer and their related technologies.” (Roblyer & Schwier, 2003)


Students living in today’s society are no longer the people our educational system was designed to teach (Prensky, 2010). There’s no going back now! We live in a digital world where no one should travel back in time to the 19th century when they walk into a classroom. Students today are described as digital natives as they represent the first generations to grow up with this new technology (Prensky, 2010). They have spent their whole lives surrounded by computers, internet, videogames, video cams, cellphones and other tools of the digital age.

http://edtechteacher.org/when-to-put-the-tech-away-in-your-11-or-any-classroom-from-shawn-beth-on-edudemic/

Reflecting back on my elementary school days, the most I had growing up at school was a projector and chunky white computers. We didn’t have smartboards, I-Pads or lap tops in our school at the time. Going back to my old elementary school during my placement this year, it was unbelievable how much changed in a span of eight years; it was finally getting in with the times of the 21st century. Sitting in on one of my placement classes, I noticed my teacher had an online math program set up on two of the computers in the room. During homework and free time the students would take turns and work on their fundamental math skills. I observed excited and engaged behaviour from all the grade three students in the classroom; they all couldn’t wait for their turn! I myself am considered a digital native, but this makes me feel threatened to step into an elementary school classroom today because I feel as if I’m behind and lack these technological skills used now a days. What are your experiences with technology in your past? Do you feel as if you have the proper knowledge to incorporate technology into the classroom settings? 

Here are 50 ways to implement technology in the classroom: Click HERE 

As future educators of the 21st century, it is crucial that we stay with the times and integrate new learning resources for our students. Technology has changed the way we think, work and play and when integrated into the curriculum, it revolutionizes the learning process (Eutopia, 2007). Technology incorporation helps student develop 21st century skills which include personal and social responsibility, strong communication skills, critical thinking, creativity, cross-cultural understanding and decision making. Effective and current tech implementation must occur across the curriculum in ways that the learning process is enhanced and supports key components such as active engagement, participation in groups, frequent interaction and feedback in connection to real-world experts (Eutopia, 2007). 

Technology helps reverse the roles of the student and teacher where the student teaches their peers and teachers. This change in teacher/student roles and relationships often result in a collaborative and reciprocal learning environment where students take responsibility for their learning outcomes while teachers become guides and facilitators (Drake, Reid, & Kolohon, 2014). 

http://www.sheknows.com/living/articles/968413/helping-encourage-technology-in-the-classroom

There is an increasing amount of evidence that including technology in the classroom positively affects student achievement and academic performance. However, a teacher from Ontario named Tom Freure stated that technology is only valuable when it enhances learning (Drake et al., 2014). Do you agree with this statement? I think that technology works best when it is used as a guide towards student learning rather than direct instruction. Technology enables students to develop autonomy and control over their own leaning which results in independent working habits and confidence in their work. Nevertheless these digital tools can also be distractions in the classroom which implies the notion of creating structure and an atmosphere of respect. Forming expectations and guidelines for students to follow will be essential for them in respecting your boundaries. Not everything you find on the internet is accurate, which is why as future educators, we need to guide our students in identifying proper and unreliable sources. Forgetting the basic ways of studying may also be another consideration while implementing technology in the classroom. It is important that there is a balance between relying on books and on digital tools; the internet is not a replacement of your brain, it is simply there as a guide in learning.

This video presents a school-wide approach to blended learning that enables teachers the flexibility to define and incorporate online instruction that meets their student’s needs:



Another thought that comes to my mind is video games in the classroom. I believe that video games are an excellent way to incorporate interesting and effective learning in the classroom when used in a safe and proper manner. Video games lead to student affiliations (memberships), collaborative problem solving (working together in teams), challenge students in different ways, exploring and rethinking steps/goals, positive risk taking and agency (Gee, 2003). Do you agree on implementing video games in the classroom? What are the benefits? Concerns?

Here is one last video that presents a science teacher by the name of Paul Anderson. He explains how he has been using elements of game design to improve learning in his Biology classroom. For more information on Paul’s work click HERE 


Our goals as future educators should be to inspire youth to develop the skills, knowledge, ethical frameworks, and self-confidence needed to be full participants in contemporary culture. By doing so, we need to implement 21st century learning skills and educational technology in schools so that our students can prosper and building on their knowledge effectively. What are your thoughts on implementing technology in the classroom? 

Thank you for reading! Looking forward to hearing more about your educational thoughts and opinions.

Miss Le Pera


References:

Drake, S. M., Reid, J. L., & Kolohon, W. (2014). Interweaving curriculum and classroom assessment: Engaging the 21st century learner. Don Mills, ON: Oxford University Press

Gee, J. P. (2003). Wllal video gallics IUlvc 10 leach us a/lOul/camilll:(. New York: Palgrave

Prensky, M. (2010). Teaching digital natives: Partnering for real learning. Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Corwin.

Roblyer, M., & Schwier, R. (2003). Integrating educational technology into teaching (Canadian ed.). Toronto: Prentice Hall.


Why Do We Need Technology Integration? (Eutopia). Retrieved November 4, 2015.

Wednesday, 7 October 2015

A Journey of Discovery and Meaning: Project-Based Learning

Welcome back fellow bloggers!

Click the video below to grasp a general understanding of Project-Based Learning: 


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNNff-hVg2s

Project-Based Learning (PBL) is an instructional model that is centered towards the constructivist approach of learning and is defined as a systematic teaching method that involves students in learning knowledge and skills through a protracted inquiry process that is built around complex, authentic questions and sensibly designed products and tasks (English & Kitsantas, 2013). Students in project-based learning classrooms do not learn content in a traditionalized method, but instead students learning while doing the project as instruction and application occur at the same time (Drake, Reid, & Kolohon, 2014). Students learn best by doing, applying themselves and asking critical questions that dig deep into their learning and knowledge. In PBL classrooms, students are able to play an active role in their learning which I believe is the most essential way to learn and of course build on their desire to know.

In seventh grade, my teacher would make each unit in science a fun yet challenging experience. For certain units, he created a project called “The Design Challenge” where in groups we would have to design, build and create a model structure pertaining to whatever topic in science we were learning about at the time. We also had to formulate and brain-storm a write-up on it and present our design to the class. What was different about this type of project compared to other typical projects I’ve done in the past, was that it made me really think and in a sense have my own voice and control over what I was learning. The project was focused on student learning goals and was strictly about student-centered learning. Most importantly, I thought the project and the work behind it, was personally and educationally meaningful. Can you think of an experience where you encountered project-based learning and finished with desirable and positive outcomes?


Image retrieved from: https://www.examtime.com/guide/project-based-learning-introduction/

According to Larmer and Mergendoller (2010) a project is meaningful if it involves meaningful and expressive inquiry that engages students’ minds. They list 7 essential elements that PBL includes. The first element is a need to know where teachers can strongly trigger a students’ need to know content by presenting a project with an entry event (i.e. video, guest speaker, lively discussion, etc) which involves interest and activates questioning. A number of students find schoolwork pointless because they don’t see a need to know in what they are being taught. However, introducing a captivating student project makes the reason for learning much more clear in that students are willing to learn because they want to succeed in the challenge they have acknowledged. The second element is including a good driving question that should be open-ended, complex and challenging that captures the main focus of the project. Without the initial driving question students may have a hard time understanding why they are completing the project. The question could be abstract, concrete or centered on problem solving (Larmer and Mergendoller, 2010).

Larmer and Mergendoller (2010) go onto explain the third element of having student voice and choice in PBL. Students can make their own decisions about the project such as how it works, what they create and how they manage their time. Teachers should plan out projects with a certain degree of student choice which fits their own style and their students’ styles. The fourth element is one that is powerfully presented to us in class and in today’s society. PBL allows students to develop 21st century skills such as critical thinking, inquiry and research, problem solving, collaboration, organization and communication (Drake et al., 2014). This contact to authentic or “real” skills produces an important purpose towards schoolwork which will benefit students later on in the workplace and in life.
Image retrieved from: http://namaya.com/blog/seven-steps-to-high-quality-project-based-learning/

Students discover more meaning in their work if they conduct real inquiry which includes a rigorous process of asking questions, finding resources and solutions, applying information which ultimately leads to asking new questions drawing their own conclusions (Larmer & Mergendoller, 2010). As the fifth essential element, inquiry and innovation produces a new answer to a driving question. Reflection, feedback and revision (sixth element) are essential to PBL as students and teachers both reflect on the learning, the efficiency of their inquiry, the quality of student work and any obstacles they encountered and how to overcome them. With this, students give, receive and use feedback to advance and progress in their processes and projects. Students will learn that when most people attempt at a task, they usually don’t result in high quality work and that revision and reconstruction is something that they will have to embark on in order to succeed. Lastly, the seventh element is presenting the product where students make their project work publicly by explaining and displaying it outside the classroom setting. 

In a study by Tamim and Grant (2013) teachers found that PBL as a teaching method supports, facilitates and improves the learning process. They also found that it enriches students’ creativity, motivation and collaboration between one another. Overall, I think PBL is an effective and enjoyable way to learn and build crucial learning capabilities required for success in education and civic life. PBL makes school more engaging for students as they can portray an active role in their learning. Not only does it make learning more enjoyable, but it also makes teaching more interesting and rewarding allowing teachers to work more closely and actively with their students doing high quality and meaningful work. PBL truly benefits students as they gain significant knowledge and are better able to apply what they have learned and know to new situations. This type of teaching method enables students to take more initiative and responsibility, build their confidence, time manage effectively and communicate and collaborate together more efficiently.

 The video below presents PBL at an elementary school in Chula Vista, California where the school has been documented for its ground-breaking efforts to support the needs of its multilingual population through the practice of technology enhanced PBL. This video is presented by Edutopia. You can find more educational videos on their Youtube channel:  http://www.youtube.com/edutopia.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W3jD7LJ6AWw 


A couple questions for thought I leave with you today would be: Do you enjoy the idea of PBL? If so, how would you as a future educator incorporate PBL in the classroom?

Thanks for reading! I’m looking forward to your educational thoughts and opinions.

Miss Le Pera 




References

Drake, S., Reid, J., & Kolohon, W. (2014). Interweaving curriculum and classroom assessment: Engaging the 21st-century learner. Don Mills, Ontario: Oxford University Press.

English, M. m., & Kitsantas, A. a. (2013). Supporting Student Self-Regulated Learning in Problem- and Project-Based Learning. Interdisciplinary Journal Of Problem-Based Learning, 7(2), 127-150. doi:10.7771/1541-5015.1339

Larmer, J., & Mergendoller, J. R. (2010). Seven essentials for project-based learning. Novato, CA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Tamim, S. s., & Grant, M. m. (2013). Definitions and Uses: Case Study of Teachers Implementing Project-based Learning. Interdisciplinary Journal Of Problem-Based Learning, 7(2), 71-101. doi:10.7771/1541-5015.1323