EDU 501 by Caleb https://padlet.com/coboyle5620/calebEDU501 Investigating Project-Based Learning in 7th grade science en-us 2019-01-18 01:49:00 UTC 2023-02-26 19:23:06 UTC hello@padlet.com Definition of Project-Based Learning: Students work on a project over an extended period of time – from a week up to a semester – that engages them in solving a real-world problem or answering a complex question. They demonstrate their knowledge and skills by developing a public product or presentation for a real audience. coboyle5620 https://padlet.com/coboyle5620/calebEDU501/wish/322556904 (Buck Institute for Education)]]> 2019-01-21 02:30:09 UTC https://padlet.com/coboyle5620/calebEDU501/wish/322556904 Summary: Curriculum Materials Make a Difference for Next Generation Science Learning: Results from Year 1 of a Randomized Control Trial coboyle5620 https://padlet.com/coboyle5620/calebEDU501/wish/322800647 This study concludes that “curriculum materials with opportunities to engage in science practices are shown to have a positive impact on next generation science learning outcomes" (Harris, Penuel, DeBarger, Gallagher, 2014).  A document called Framework for K-12 Science Education is influencing Next Generation Science standards. This document reasons that students learn best by applying science concepts using a hands-on approach. The study had two groups, the treatment condition (those implementing project-based inquiry science (PBIS)), and the comparison condition (standard science curriculum using district textbooks). Teachers from both groups were invited to attend PBIS curriculum workshops. Additionally, all teachers were invited to participate in a Framework workshop. The results showed that students in the PBIS (treatment condition) scored higher on end of unit assessments than those in the comparison condition. In addition, “PBIS teachers were more likely to engage their students in four science practices as their units progressed, than were comparison teachers:

·       Constructing explanations
·       Developing and using models
·       Planning and carrying out investigations
·       Asking questions” (Harris, Penuel, DeBarger, Gallagher, 2014) 

For the Framework to achieve its desired outcomes, the study notes that greater access to research-based materials “such as those developed with funding from the National Science Foundation” (Harris, Penuel, DeBarger, Gallagher, 2014) is needed. At the time of the study, only 6% of middle school teachers reported having access to such materials. Researchers also admit there is much work to be done in actually developing materials that support the Framework, while at the same time noting the need to provide teachers access to professional development regarding the Framework. 
]]> 2019-01-21 23:02:09 UTC https://padlet.com/coboyle5620/calebEDU501/wish/322800647 Summary: Project Based Learning & Student Achievement coboyle5620 https://padlet.com/coboyle5620/calebEDU501/wish/322802520 Sally Kingston, PhD of the Buck Institute for Education put together a brief based on the most widespread question the Institute receives about project based learning (PBL), “what evidence exists that shows the impact of Project Based Learning on student learning in core content areas?” (Kingston, 2018). Ms. Kingston reviewed 20 studies for the brief and concluded that there is much research to support the use of PBL but also that, “more research is needed to show causality between PBL and student outcomes” (Kingston, 2018). She truthfully notes some PBL weaknesses such as, “lack of experimental studies, varying fidelity of PBL, implementation challenges, and lack of validity and reliability of measures” (Kingston, 2018). 
Of the research studies Ms. Kingston reviewed, 4 may have some applicability to me as a primarily 7th grade science teacher. Although 2 of the 4 studies had demographics significantly different from the district I teach in and 1 study did not identify the demographics. In the study with demographics most closely matching my district (and grade level), “On average, students show gains for the pre- to post-test scores. The study shows considerable learning with significant variation across teachers” (Kingston, 2018).
]]> 2019-01-21 23:18:16 UTC https://padlet.com/coboyle5620/calebEDU501/wish/322802520 Summary: Project-Based Learning: ‘Promising but Not Proven,’ Researchers Say coboyle5620 https://padlet.com/coboyle5620/calebEDU501/wish/322803086 Dian Schaffhauser, senior contributing editor of THE Journal and Campus Technology poses the question of whether or not project-based learning (PBL) has been effective. She cites a past review of PBL studies, completed in the year 2000. In comparison with the latest review 17 years later, they concluded “evidence for PBL’s effectiveness in boosting learning outcomes is skimpy” (Schaffhauser, 2017). Researchers assert that the problem was finding “valid, reliable, and readily usable measures of the kinds of deeper learning and interpersonal and intrapersonal competencies that PBL aims to promote” (Schaffhauser, 2017). Additionally, there are other aspects that make studying the value of PBL difficult, such as “there’s little agreement among experts about how PBL should fit in with other instructional methods, how long a PBL unit should last, the roles of student choice and collaborative learning or how learning should be assessed” (Schaffhauser, 2017).  On a positive note, they’ve observed that science is one of the subjects in which PBL has been most promising. ]]> 2019-01-21 23:23:58 UTC https://padlet.com/coboyle5620/calebEDU501/wish/322803086 Summary: Project-Based Learning and the Middle School Mind coboyle5620 https://padlet.com/coboyle5620/calebEDU501/wish/322803292 Amber Chandler specifically addresses project-based learning (PBL) in middle school. She acknowledges the disparity in middle school, where some students are well into adolescence while others look and may act like elementary children. She emphasizes the engagement of students in PBL, giving them voice and choice in projects. Interestingly, Chandler remarks that Stephen Covey’s Seven Habits of Highly Effective People is an excellent resource for those utilizing PBL. In particular, she focuses on the second habit and how important it is in the beginning stage of PBL. The second habit states, “Begin with the end in mind” and it’s based on the belief that all things are created twice, first mental creation and second physical creation.
            Chandler stresses how important an “authentic audience” is, which allows students to share their learning/project with classmates, parents, administrators, etc. She argues that “middle school students need this type of environment to compete with the multitude of issues they face in their changing lives” (Chandler, 2015). 
]]> 2019-01-21 23:26:27 UTC https://padlet.com/coboyle5620/calebEDU501/wish/322803292 Summary: 6 Tips for Preventing PBL Burnout coboyle5620 https://padlet.com/coboyle5620/calebEDU501/wish/322803667 Education is a gratifying profession, but teaching using project-based learning (PBL) can lead to burn out. Teacher and speaker Andre Daughty asserts that “finding the time during planning periods and after school to create those rewarding conditions brings stressors to our lives” (2017). He has come up with 6 ideas to help make PBL manageable for educators:

1.     Plan with your colleagues in order to share ideas and responsibilities
2.     Instead of starting from scratch, modify a project that has already been created/used
3.     Projects don’t need to be long and super involved
4.     It’s okay to use traditional teaching in between projects (incorporate PBL elements if possible)
5.     Seek local experts to help with projects, they can provide additional skills and knowledge

Remember that you are a facilitator and give your students voice and choice 
]]> 2019-01-21 23:30:53 UTC https://padlet.com/coboyle5620/calebEDU501/wish/322803667 Some Pros and Cons of Project-Based Learning coboyle5620 https://padlet.com/coboyle5620/calebEDU501/wish/322804421 Pros:
-quality projects get students excited to learn
-there are many projects already on the Internet that can be used/adapted
-develops critical thinking/problem solving skills
-empowers students
-there are many promising studies showing achievement gains

Cons:
-lack of experimental studies
-lack of resources/funding for resources
-implementation challenges
-teacher burnout
-time-strapped teachers
-varying levels of commitment to PBL



]]> 2019-01-21 23:38:49 UTC https://padlet.com/coboyle5620/calebEDU501/wish/322804421 coboyle5620 https://padlet.com/coboyle5620/calebEDU501/wish/322805218 2019-01-21 23:47:29 UTC https://padlet.com/coboyle5620/calebEDU501/wish/322805218 Helpful PBL Website: coboyle5620 https://padlet.com/coboyle5620/calebEDU501/wish/322805503 Buck Institute for Education]]> 2019-01-21 23:50:17 UTC https://padlet.com/coboyle5620/calebEDU501/wish/322805503 coboyle5620 https://padlet.com/coboyle5620/calebEDU501/wish/324569270 I am researching how project-based learning affects student achievement in the energy unit for 7th grade physical science. ]]> 2019-01-26 12:37:59 UTC https://padlet.com/coboyle5620/calebEDU501/wish/324569270