After reviewing the audio interview with Dr. Strange and Anthony Capps, there were a few things which resonated with me as they discussed the facets of Project Based Learning. Primarily, I was left with the thought Mr. Capps must feel a huge amount of gratitude to be able to work in a school with an administrator who is supportive of teachers incorporating PBL, and a school system who is committed to providing technology to each student in Baldwin County. Additionally, it seemed to be an attribute to the leadership in the system to have Anthony on board as they have recognized his ability not only to be a great classroom instructor, but also an example among his peers. Thus, listening to his words of advice, even as a young whip, gave me reason to take notice of what he had to say.
I decided to break down a few of his points by topic.
PBL and Classroom Management
1. Make sure the Essential Question is relevant to the students.
2. Provide plenty of options for student products (student voice and choice).
3. Assign reasonable amounts of work (chunking) with a series of checkpoints.
4. As the teacher, prepare, prepare, prepare!
Tips for Incorporating New Technology Tools
1. PACE YOURSELF.
2. Pick one tool, learn to use it, and then add another one.
3. Can't learn it all overnight, but must do it every night.
4. Show kids in whole group, and then allow them to explore in small groups.
Tips for Incorporating PBL
1. Introduce one of the 8 aspects of PBL at a time. (BIE.org has the list of 8)
2. Build upon each until all have been learned.
3. Teach components explicitly so students will understand goal of project and it is meaningful to them.
PBL and Administrators
1. Start with pocket of teacher volunteers
2. Pilot to rest of school
3. Require PD to rest of teachers (books and research made available)
Authentic Audience Examples
1. Peers
2. Younger grades
3. Older grades
4. Work hanging in hallway
5. Blog posts
6. Parents
7. Elf on the Shelf
8. Partners in Education
9. City Council
10. State Representatives
Parents and PBL Assessment
1. Make sure parents stay abreast of assessment requirements and any changes or modifications.
2. Provide ample opportunities for parents to stay informed.
Hey Angel,
ReplyDeleteI too liked the tip to pace yourself and incorporate one tool at a time. Use it for a week or two, and then add a new one. It makes sense and seems like an achievable goal.
I also liked the effort made to keep parents abreast of what is happening in the classroom, assessment modes, and more. I'm a big "home+school connection" gal, so I really appreciated Anthony's ideas on how to keep the parents involved and informed.
Thanks,
MAP
"Mr. Capps must feel a huge amount of gratitude to be able to work in a school with an administrator who is supportive of teachers incorporating PBL, and a school system who is committed to providing technology to each student in Baldwin County. " He does - in both cases. They are also fortunate to have him as an educator.
ReplyDeleteI don't think you missed a thing.
Very well done indeed!
Nominated for post of the week (along with several others.)