Blog Post 11

What can we learn about teaching and learning from these teachers?

Brain Crosby is a teacher at Agnes Risley Elementary School. In his TEDx Talk video "Back to the Future" he explains the dynamics of his classroom and how he got at-risk students to succeed in school through project based learning. He begins by explaining that 90% of his classroom is comprised of ESL(English as a Second Language) students. So he set out to discover why there is such a disconnect. First, he concluded that a narrowed curriculum is bad. To counter this problem he began by implementing a project based lesson that was very successful. The students got the opportunity to launch a hot air balloon for a science project. The balloon had a camera attached to it so the students were able to witness what it was like to ascend into the sky in real time. Mr. Crosby gave his students an assignment to write as if they were the balloon and post it on their blogs. This assignment proves that project based learning really works. The kids were ecstatic and interested because they got the opportunity to do a hands-on assignment. Furthermore, Mr. Crosby let his students dictate their own learning. He stated that independent learning combined with technology allows us to connect to the world through tech. I agree with this statement because technology provides innumerable resources that a traditional classroom setting can't provide. The students were able to receive feedback from other people after they posted their assignments on their blogs. Astonishingly, students from other schools took notice and begged their teacher to let them do this project. This is another testament that project based learning is a success and that we all learn by being connected learners.

Mr. Paul Andersen is a high school AP Biology teacher who uses the blended learning cycle in his classroom. In his video "Blended Learning Cycle" he explains three core concepts which are explore, flip, and apply. The blended cycle is comprised of online, mobile, and classroom learning. Mr Andersen has developed an acronym that he uses as a model to teach his students called QIVERS. This stands for question, investigation, video, elaboration, review, and summary. First, he gets his students to develop good questions to spark their interest and direct the lesson. Second, is the inquiry where his students research the question and pose possible solutions to a problem. Third, he makes a video podcast that his students can access anytime and watch independently because he wants them to become independent learners.
Fourth, is elaboration. This is where the students go through the textbook. Fifth, is the review stage. During this time the teacher will meet with each student to make sure they understand what is being taught. Lastly, a summary quiz is given to test the students on the material. This is an effective process that helps the kids learn to think for themselves and conduct their own research independently.

 

Mark Church is an elementary school teacher who came up with an interactive activity to stimulate learning. In his video" Making Thinking Visible" he assigned a small group project where his students would develop headlines about "Early Human Beginnings, The Origin of Human Society." The headline should explain the challenge and search for what human origin is all about. This is a fun activity to get young students excited about learning. They get to actively take part in their learning by creating headlines rather than just reading a textbook and having a discussion. The small group discussion will help improve their communication skills and help them learn to be collaborative workers. These kids are gaining skills early that they'll need in the 21st century workforce.

Sam Pane is a fourth grade teacher who is teaching his students how to be good internet citizens. In his "building comics" video he teachers his students that safety, respect, and responsibility are the three core elements to being a good internet citizen. He had his class build a superhero citizen using graphic technology on the computer as a way to do a visual presentation. This was a great way for the students to learn and create dialogue about the hazards of the internet. Furthermore, it improved their writing skills because they developed a narrative. Students were allowed to share their comics with the class and receive feedback which made them feel good about the activity. This is another reason why more teachers should switch to project based learning because it teaches new skills simultaneously.

 

 

 

Dean Shareski "Project Based Learning" video is revolutionary in its approach to education. The high school has chosen to combine courses and use project based learning to direct each lesson. The school has combined History, English, and Information Processing together rather than teaching each subject individually. The school elected to do this because research shows that combining courses and using project based learning to direct them engages learning, and produces a deeper understanding rather than teaching in segmented parts. This idea worked tremendously. Technology helped the kids get a thorough understanding of the content and helped them become active in their learning. Project Based Learning helped them flip the school from the "inside out".

"Roosevelt's Elementary School PBL Program" video explains their steps to effective project based learning. Their faculty suggest that project based learning should be in depth, include integrated thematic instruction, based on real world problems, research based, and include project and presentation. This is a model that all schools should adopt. Project based learning helps students understand content in depth because it allows students to control their own research. Therefore, they put more effort into learning because they are interested in the material. Project based learning also should be based around a real world problem because it gives the students purpose. Real world problems make the assignments more meaningful and interesting. Project Based Learning should also be presentation based. It builds the students communication skills and gives them confidence as they present their projects to the class. In conclusion, this teaching method teaches student skills they will need in the future workforce.