1. Interdisciplinary Project Based-Learning

2. Interdisciplinary Project-Based Learning
In-class time will be provided: (Due: February 11th, 2009)
Your staff group will explore a cross- curricula topic to achieve specific outcomes/objectives identify resources to plan for Project-Based Learning

3. Your Assignment
Environment focus as a school, grade levels or specific grade
Share your ideas in your specific area of expertise and design an interdisciplinary project
Your product will be posted on the EPS 350 Blog 3

4. What is PBL?
“Project learning is a dynamic approach to teaching in which students explore real-world problems and challenges. With this type of active and engaged learning, students are inspired to obtain a deeper knowledge of the subjects they’re studying.” PBL Edutopia
Real-life applications: “In real life, we don’t spend hours at a time listening to authorities who know more that we do and who tell us exactly what to do and how to do it.”

5. Student Action Projects
What is PBL?
Real-life applications
Student-centered
Higher-level thinking skills
Students learn problem-solving and research skills
Acquire important abilities and dispositions: Curricula across North America encourage students to analyze social problems, formulatee thoughtful strategies, question assumptions, and act responsibly on their beliefs as part of active citizenship
Student Action Projects 5

6. Required Textbook: Case, Roland et al. (2004)
Active Citizenship: Student Action Projects
Roland Case et al, (2004)
An appreciation for individual differences and a recognition of the need to provide for those differences in the classroom is not a new phenomenon in Saskatchewan

7. Why Use PBL? In your staff groups, identify reasons WHY 5 minutes
Be prepared to answer upon receiving the ball!
Acquire important abilities and dispositions: Curricula across North America encourage students to analyze social problems, formulatee thoughtful strategies, question assumptions, and act responsibly on their beliefs as part of active citizenship
Increase understanding of curricula content: Action projects provide a means of integrating text-based and experience-based learning, where student’s understanding is deepened as they learn the contextual realities of what they previously considered in theory.
Establish sense of personal and collective efficacy: Involvement teaches students that there are responsible ways in which issues can be addressed, and that realistic action and accomplishment are open to us all.
Contribute to the betterment of society: Not only do students benefit personally and academically, but also the quality of human life and the environment can be improved as a result of thoughtful student action.

8. Why Use PBL? Acquire important abilities and dispositions
Increase understanding of curricula content
Establish sense of personal and collective efficacy
Contribute to the betterment of society
Acquire important abilities and dispositions: Curricula across North America encourage students to analyze social problems, formulatee thoughtful strategies, question assumptions, and act responsibly on their beliefs as part of active citizenship
Increase understanding of curricula content: Action projects provide a means of integrating text-based and experience-based learning, where student’s understanding is deepened as they learn the contextual realities of what they previously considered in theory.
Establish sense of personal and collective efficacy: Involvement teaches students that there are responsible ways in which issues can be addressed, and that realistic action and accomplishment are open to us all.
Contribute to the betterment of society: Not only do students benefit personally and academically, but also the quality of human life and the environment can be improved as a result of thoughtful student action. 8

9. Blue Man Group video featured on "Earth To America!"

10. Picturing the Possibilities
Start exploring websites that have step-by-step instructions, video clips and samples of PBL at all grade levels
Think of all the possibilities to make learning exciting for your learners!
The Adaptive Dimension has been defined as the concept of making adjustments in approved educational programs to accommodate diversity in student learning.
Rather than being viewed as an "add-on", the Adaptive Dimension must be viewed as an essential ingredient that permeates curriculum and instruction in all regular, modified, and alternative education programs in Saskatchewan schools.
The Adaptive Dimension is not necessarily synonymous with individualized instruction but is synonymous with meeting individual student needs and maximizing student learning.
In some instances a student's needs may best be met through individualized instruction where the teacher works one-to-one with the student; however, in other situations, some form of group instruction may be more appropriate for the student.

11. Designing Effective Project Based Learning to Engage Learners
PBL Online Video Library
Intel: Designing Effective Projects
Project Based Learning Articles from Edutopia

12. Biomes: Action for a Healthy Planet

13. Group Discussion Do you see any problems? Where do you start?
Essential Question: What can I do to affect the future?
What factors might a teacher consider before formally deciding to undertake a social action project?
Discuss their findings about what Project-based learning is. Things to address:
How to plan for Project-based learning?—Use “Designing Effective Planning” Sheet.
Before we even start, does any one see any problems with this planning process (ie. The teacher is planning the project without consulting the students)? How might this affect your planning?
Students will have time in their subject-area groups (2-3 people max per group) to start planning their project. Tell students that obviously everything that we’ve talked about in class thus far such as diversity, adaptive dimension, differentiated learning, classroom management, and interconnectedness should be considered in all planning and therefore they should be thinking about it in the planning of this project as well. 13

14. Summary