User:Swasmanski/sandbox

What is Project-Based Learning (PBL)?
Project-Based Learning (PBL) is a method of instruction where students learn the content by solving problems or performing activities rather than strictly learning through lecture and other traditional forms of instruction. PBL is a learner-center approach to instruction, which empowers students to integrate learner theory into practice and apply the knowledge learner to real-world programs.

Why is Project-Based Learning (PBL) a current trend?
PBL has been used in the field of education for many years, originating in medical schools in the 1960’s. Since then, PBL techniques have been incorporated into traditional college and university settings as well as in K-12 educational institutions. The growing body of literature and books published in the field of problem-based learning is an indicator that this trend will continue in K-12 settings. Advancements in technology allow for contemporary application of PBL techniques to evolve in innovative ways. PBL prepares students by fostering the collaboration and problem solving skills necessary in the workforce. PBL is a key component of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) or STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) education, which is gaining popularity within K-12 educational institutions. Furthermore, STEM education has gained substantial support from the Obama Administration. The U.S. Department of Education estimates a steady increase in jobs relating to the STEM fields, thereby perpetuating the trend of project-based learning.

Implementation of Project-Based Learning (PBL) in the K-12 Setting
Within PBL classrooms, the teachers take on the role of a coach or guide and allow students to take ownership of the problem and formulate a solution. By allowing students to take possession of their learning, both basic and 21st century skills are nurtured. Students use fundamental skills, such as reading, writing, and mathematics and build upon new skills which will be necessary to solve real-world problems. Critical thinking, interpersonal, decision making, collaboration are skills fostered while students creatively solve complex problems which may have more than one right answer.

Strengths:

 * Fosters problem solving skills
 * Promotes collaboration and communication among peers
 * Increases research and analysis skills
 * Engages students
 * Prepares students for real-world experiences
 * Promotes life-long learning
 * Builds confidence

Weaknesses:

 * Requires new roles for teachers and students
 * Difficult to assess learning outcomes
 * Time consuming
 * Access to technology/technology skills needed

Related Research for Project-Based Learning (PBL)
Bowden, W. R. (2015). Collaboration, pedagogy, and media: Short-term summer programs emphasize project based and social emotional learning. Journal Of Media Literacy Education, 7(1), 72-76.

Edutopia. (2007, October 17). Why is project-based learning important? Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/project-based-learning-guide-importance.

Gallagher, S. A. (1997). Problem-based learning. Journal for the Education of the Gifted, 20(4), 332-362.

Hung, W., Jonassen, D. H., & Liu, R. (2008). Problem-based learning. Handbook of research on educational communications and technology, 3, 485-506.

Sahin, A., & Top, N. (2015). STEM students on the stage (SOS): Promoting student voice and choice in STEM education through an interdisciplinary, standards-focused, project based learning approach. Journal Of STEM Education: Innovations & Research, 16(3), 24-33.

Savery, J. R. (2006). Overview of problem-based learning: Definitions and distinctions. Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning, 1(1), 9-20.

Stanford University. (2001). Problem-Based Learning. Speaking of Teaching, 11, 1-7.

U.S. Department of Education (n.d.). Science, Technology, Engineering and Math: Education for Global Leadership. Retrieved from http://www.ed.gov/stem.

Wood, D. F. (2003). Problem based learning. British medical journal, 326(7384), 328.

Recommended Resources for Project-Based Learning (PBL)
Buck Institute for Education (BIE) http://www.bie.org/pbl/trai.html

University of Delaware http://www1.udel.edu/inst/

http://www.ed.gov/stem

http://www.edutopia.org/project-based-learning-guide-importance

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-5omNEmWicU