Project Based Learning by David Andrade
Apr
6
Written by:
4/6/2009 1:28 PM
Project Based Learning - a relatively new idea in high school education, but something I was exposed to many years ago (21) as a freshman at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI). I received my Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering in 1992 and my education at WPI has served me well in a variety of capacities. WPI is mainly a science, technology, engineering, and math school, with some other majors mixed in.
WPI has a unique learning system, called the WPI Plan. This plan stresses project based learning. Why? Because back when they developed the Plan (over 30 years ago) they knew that the only way to truly master subject area content is to apply it. They also knew that students needed to develop teamwork, communication skills, problem solving skills, creativity, critical thinking, and research skills (sounds like "21st Century skills" doesn't it?).
The projects are an integral part of the Plan. All classes are expected to use projects in their curriculum and the school has three projects that all students must complete. The Humanities Sufficiency is a set of 5 themed humanities courses followed by a 1 course long independent study. This project is meant to make the student more well rounded. The IQP (Interactive Qualifying Project) is a team project studying the effects of technology on society or using technology to benefit society that is equivalent to 9 credits. The MQP(Major Qualifying Project) is also equivalent to 9 credits and is a major project in your subject area, similar to a senior thesis.
I think that WPI was ahead of the game with their plan, considering this is the route that high schools and even middle schools are going. K-12 education is starting to realize how important these skills are and that project based learning is a great way to engage students while teaching them content and other needed skills.
I try to use projects when ever possible in my classes. I found that my WPI education has taught me more than the STEM subjects, it has taught me valuable skills that have allowed me to be successful as a teacher, paramedic, engineer, manager, consultant, and husband. I would love to see high schools implement a more structured project based curriculum and provide more support for teachers. I think many teachers are afraid of projects because they fear that the students will not get all of the content that they need. However, if the project is structured properly, the students will get the content in order to complete the project. They will get the content, develop teamwork, communication skills, problem solving skills, and learn organization. They will also get to be social with other students which is very important to them.
Technology can help with project based learning. I always wonder what we could have achieved back then if we had the World Wide Web as it is now. All we had was email and some ftp sites. Students can use technology to do research, organize their projects, and then present their projects as presentations, web sites, blogs, or videos.
12 comment(s) so far...
Project Based Learning by David Andrade
nice post and very informative
By online hold'em on
1/20/2010 8:47 AM
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Project Based Learning by David Andrade
I couldn't agree more on the ways in which technology can support project based learning. Twenty First Century learning advocates argue for the importance of collaboration. Collaboration certainly strengthens project based learning. Technology, including social bookmarking discussed by your colleague Cheryl Oaks,http://www.techlearning.com/Blogs/17054, aids collaboration.
By Andrew Pass on
4/8/2009 5:50 AM
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Project Based Learning by David Andrade
Although I would take issue with Mr. Andrade that project-based learning is a "relatively new idea" since we have been doing it in COMPUTER EXPLORERS for the last fifteen years, I do agree that it is a great way for students to learn and evaluate core content. One of my most memorable experiences was facilitating 4th grade students learning Texas state history by having them create multimedia presentations; as the teams negotiated which information was the most important to communicate, they not only reinforced the content but also practiced their technology skills. Needless to say, when the students prepared for their standardized tests, they had great review materials. The scores were considerably higher that year!
Cyndee Perkins
Director, Curriculum and Program Development
COMPUTER EXPLORERS
http://www.computerexplorers.com
By Cyndee Perkins on
4/7/2009 2:12 PM
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Project Based Learning by David Andrade
Great article David and I have always pushed a project based approach over the top-down rote learning paradigm that is entrenched in much of our public schools. David uses new teaching techniques that will prepare students for the 20th century unlike those teachers who are cruising in the classroom unwilling to change for their students and our country.
By Felipe Payan on
4/10/2009 6:44 AM
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Project Based Learning by David Andrade
David, you are so right about project based learning. I too studied engineering (Aerospace) and most of the process was project oriented. I gravitated towards that style of learning and my grades always were higher with the PBL courses. Now as a developer of career simulations (Virtual Internships) it is all about project based learning, living he design process and making everything contextual. If teachers new the truth that it is more fun and easier to teach and engage students in project based learning - then every teacher would be embracing it. Yes - you are spot-on with how many state standards can be relevantly addressed in a PBL experience (if designed and facilitated correctly). I smiled broadly to see you play with how "new" project based learning is. Great article - thanks for giving all of us something to think about.
By Steve Waddell on
4/10/2009 6:50 AM
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Project Based Learning by David Andrade
I also find it interesting that you refer to PBL as "new." PBL has been around for a very long time. That being said, its lack of braod implementation is most likely due to NCLB and State Assessments. We teach to the way we are measured and unfortunately, it filters all the way up to State and Federal measures (also tied to funding). What do these assessments measure and what is the most likely and accepted ways of getting our students past "the test?" It will not be until concepts like 21st Century Skills (as you mention) are broadly accepted into the "norm" of teaching and learning that these pedagogies will be important, practiced, supported and measured.
Let me also say, in this mini-rant that PBL is wonderful and if implemented correctly, and systemically, there is most likely no better way of educating our youth.
By CSteinberg on
4/13/2009 4:04 AM
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Project Based Learning by David Andrade
Good to know that not only us here in Indonesia that facing the challenges to implement PBL. Teachers said that they have to face a non supportive school system. They (both school management and teachers) should read your writing. It's all about content completion as challenges in PBL implementation. If a school decide to support their teacher in implementing PBL, they should also adjust their curriculum, because as David said: 'if the project is structured properly, the students will get the content in order to complete the project'
Stay Super! Thanks!
Aditya Dharma
Program Development - Facilitation
Putera Sampoerna Foundation Teacher Institute
Sampoerna Strategic Square North Tower, 18th Floor Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav 45 Jakarta 12930 Indonesia
By Aditya Dharma on
4/12/2009 5:04 PM
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Project Based Learning by David Andrade
I'm glad to see so many comments and so many people using PBL. I'm also glad that Steve Waddell caught how I used "new" when referring to PBL. PBL is NOT new at all, yet in K-12, it is only really been in the limelight for the last few years. I hope that discussions like this can push government entities to realize that standardized tests are a small part of what a school does and that PBL is a much better reflection of a student's performance and understanding of material.
Thanks for all the great comments.
- Dave Andrade
By TLBlogger on
4/14/2009 2:16 AM
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Project Based Learning by David Andrade
I teach Computer/Sc. in elementary school. I agree with you
projects make the kids want to learn & allows them to learn more.
They make use of skills being taught.
Thank you for comment about testing . The children are tired of being tested,& we the teachers waste time teachig for test since the state demands they pass.
I hope someone in authority hears the teachers saying stop!
By Theresa Luciano on
4/14/2009 3:15 AM
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Project Based Learning by David Andrade
I need to start using PBL, and since I was taught this process 25 years ago in teacher ed, I need all the help I can get. Where can I get more info?
By Lynne Moore on
4/15/2009 1:34 PM
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Project Based Learning by David Andrade
Lynne,
A great place to start for PBL info and advice is Edutopia.org. They have a whole section just on Project Based Learning. You can also do a web search and find a lot of other great resources.
Dave Andrade
By David Andrade on
4/16/2009 3:42 AM
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Project Based Learning by David Andrade
I would also take issue with Mr. Andrade that project-based learning is a "relatively new idea" since the enrichment area subjects have been doing it in their respective curriculum areas since the 1950's, I do also agree that it is a great way for students to learn and evaluate core content.
Seek out your enrichment area teachers, they have much to share with you!
By Mary Lorenz on
6/5/2009 1:08 AM
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