Since there are direct connections with the DDLS
principles and PBL, I wanted to find a specific example of PBL implemented in
an elementary school. Our traditional methods of teaching are not
conducive to PBL and the implementation means change in the way we think about
teaching and the way we teach. That kind of cognitive shift takes time
and effort. Examples and research are
needed to bring up the craftsmanship state of mind and confidence for teachers
to become change agents.
I found an article in Edutopia of a first grade
teacher who shares her example of PBL in her classroom. Her main point is
to start small. First, she recognizes
the importance of building 21st century skills in her students to get them
ready for success in life. Then she starts by taking something that she
already does and finds elements to incorporate PBL. Her example takes the review of the alphabet
that coincides with animals and in that, she identifies a driving question.
Letter F was the Yellow Legged Frog. Her
students found out that this local frog has become a "species of
concern" and wanted to help save this little creature. So, their
first project for the year was: How can we help save the Yellow Legged
Frog? Her is the link to read the rest
of the article. https://www.edutopia.org/discussion/example-pbl-early-elementary-how-i-started
As my district is driving full
force to implement PBL in K-12, I think a good piece of advice is start small.
That was a very neat project. I checked the webpage and the videos she posted, and it is a great example of a PBL activity.
ReplyDeleteI agree that small steps are the way to go, I love the way she concludes by saying that PBL is the vehicle by which she can teach both the Common Core Standards and the 21st century competencies her first graders need. Another important aspect she mentions is to start looking for projects we have already done through a PBL lens, for me, this takes the overwhelming feeling away and helps me brainstorm ideas because I don't have to start from scratch.
Thanks for sharing!