Chapter 11

1. Description of what occurs as a result of using the Project-based learning approach.

In project based learning the class/ whole group have gone on a “journey” they have created ideas, researched topics, developed plans and presentations, fail, succeeded, gained knowledge, and valuable problem solving skills. The students have worked in groups and understand the importance of team work, the class has grown together in maturing skills for the 21^st century.

2. Discussion on ways to “bring your project home”.

When discussing how to bring a project home would be to capitalize on the investment made and the time spent preparing and executing the project. Think of the big picture, what did your student learn beyond the research and presentation element, how are they more prepared now than at the beginning, do your students see that learning doesn’t just take place in the classroom.? Take time to critique your work, what improvements could be made for the next time. Share your insights with other teachers from your school, district, community, state, region, or across the country, or on the other side of the world. Once you share the information help others with questions that arise, discuss and criticize ideas until perfection is reached. Show your students how hard they have worked and that more people than the teacher can see it, enter into a contest.

3. Discussion on how concepts in this chapter relate to your topic/project.

 

This relates to our project because we are nearing the end, we can see the light, we cannot enjoy it yet but we have begun to critique our methods and how we could/should have changed a few things. This has been a journey one that when it started seemed easy enough but as the ideas, preparation, and execution came around it was more difficult. I hope that when others see how hard and thoughtful we have worked we can help them out in a way.

`Throughout the semester, our concept map changed tremendously due to the fact that we started to understand where we wanted to exactly take this project.  We changed it so that students would be learning about healthy living through four different areas opposed to learning about healthy living through ages of life.  We changed it to focus on, diet, exercise, drugs and alcohol, and sleeping habits, to have the project be more relatable for students. This change will allow students to research and explore what makes a person healthy and why it is important.

Digital Story: Health and Wellness Fair

 

Health and Wellness Digital Story

1.

Reflection after completing a project is very important for students to do because it acts like glue and helps make the information stick.  Reflection helps students look back at the information and discover new information they have missed.  The book states that reflection is helpful for students because it allows them to, “ Think about what they learned, their growth as learners, and what they want to learn in projects ahead. 

2.

As a teacher, it is our job to encourage our students to elaborate their answers and reflections.  This allows students to think on a higher level and allows them to my connections to the world around them. You can encourage students to elaborate on reflections by asking Higher Order of Thinking Questions based off of Blooms Taxonomy.

3.

A good way to build tradition and identity is to share your students accomplishments.  When their accomplishments are shared with the community, they will give you support and want to be involved more in the school. Ask the community to be a part of learning celebrations,

4.

Having a celebration for learning is very meaningful for students.  It allows them to show off their hard work and feel proud of it.  It is always good to share work with the community.

5.

This topic relates to my projects because at the end of the project the students are going to hold a health and wellness fair.  Students will present their work to parents, peers, and the community.

Chapter 9 Reflection

1. Description of a method of understanding prior-knowledge of students.

A good way to understand students prior knowledge is through K-W-L Charts.  The charts informs you of what they already know about the subject you are working on, what they are wondering, and what they want to learn. As a teacher it is important to keep in mind that not all students are going to be on the same level, or have the same prior knowledge.

1. Discussion on the importance of establishing anchors for a project.

When a teacher establish anchors for a project, it allows teachers to understand where the student is starting and how they've progress throughout the project.  Also by establishing anchors, it allows teachers to differentiate instruction to meet all types of learners throughout the class.

1. Description of several ways to assess what students learned during the project.

There are several ways to assess students learning during the project. Some examples are:

• Making rubrics 
• Have students make something new of what they have learned.
• Ask students to reflect through oral communication or verbal on what they have learned.
• Give students basic tests.

1. Discussion on how concepts in this chapter relate to your topic/project.

I can use these concepts in my project by getting students prior knowledge.  We do this in one of our first lesson by asking them what they know about how to stay healthy.  Getting a feel on what the students know will help me set specific anchors and goals for students.

Chapter 8 reflection

1. Description of some ways to build connections and branch out beyond the classroom.

Today’s classrooms have the most available connections to the world beyond the classroom. Students are able to reach out not only to other classrooms in their school but to schools on the other side of the world through blogs, skype, and other types of interactive communication. Students are able to connect with experts in the field of their assigned project via email, and other social media networks. Designing projects that encourage outside of classroom communications and research will support students growth outside of the four walls of the school.

2. Description of the EAST Initiative Model.

Environmental and Spatial Technologies Initiative Model is an education based program that utilizes technology to solve problem and make improvement in communities. Started in 1996 there are now more than 260 schools in seven states. It began in Alabama and proved to be very successful it then was replicated to hundreds of other teachers who sill continue professional development on this model. Tim Stephenson is credited with this program he figured out that it was the technology and problem solving that was bringing students to class who where before considered at risk of failing. There are four essential ideas of EAST; student driven learning, authentic project based learning, technology as tools, and collaboration. At the end of each school year students are invited to a conference where they are able to show off their projects.

3. Discussion on some reasons to let students “lead” their projects.

When children are giving the opportunity to explore the world around them they will seek new information that an adult or teacher never would have expected. They see the world in a different light, when students are given the opportunity to be independent thinkers it helps develop responsibility.

4. Discussion on how concepts in this chapter relate to your topic/project.

We have to remember in this project that we might not always agree, and we have to allow for different ideas to flow. With our topic being about health and wellness we really need to incorporate technology, and persons from the field and from around the world to share their thoughts, opinions, and advice. We are working on a topic that could very well fit into an EAST class, with more research we could develop an amazing project for them.  

Reflection 8

1. Description of some ways to build connections and branch out beyond the classroom.

Some ways to build connections is with experts.  Teachers can make connections happen by recognizing a learning opportunity or make introductions online to connect curious students with willing experts.  Making connections with experts may require a bit of effort on the educators part.  It is also the teachers responsibility to prepare students on how to work and communicate with the experts.  Teachers use their knowledge to expand students circles by connecting them with community members in and out side of their own community.  This can be done through exchanging videos, blog entries, and other forms of online communication.

1. Description of the EAST Initiative Model.

EAST is the Environmental and Spatial Technologies Initiative network. The purpose of this school network is to benefit students' problem solving and communication skills. The model is made up of four ideas:

• Student-driven learning: Students need to be responsible for their own learning.
• Authentic project-based learning: Students should be engaged in solving real problems in their communities. 
• Technology as tools: Students need access to the relevant technologies that professionals use to solve problems.
• Collaboration:  When students collaborate in teams to pursue authentic projects, they accomplish more than any one person can do in isolation.

1. Discussion on some reasons to let students “lead” their projects.

I believe it is important for students to lead their projects because it then makes them responsible for their learning and not depend on other people.  Also, it teaches the student responsibility and organization.  In my opinion, the number one benefit for students leading their projects is because students are able to chart their own learning path.

1. Discussion on how concepts in this chapter relate to your topic/project.

These concepts relate to my project because it teaches up it is important for students to think outside their bubble.  For my project, I could connect students and set up interviews with dietitians or nutritionist to further their knowledge on healthy living.