PBL+Overview


 * 8 Essential Elements of PBL:**


 * Significant Content:**


 * Too broad and you lose students
 * Too narrow and you can't meet the requirements of your course
 * Easiest for me to design by unit
 * Don't focus on the minor details, but the major concepts and components essential to your course


 * 21st Century Skills:**
 * Communication
 * Collaboration (Not everything needs to be done as a team, but can happen in other ways - peer editing, expert collaboration, small group to large group, pairs, individual components with collaborative moments)
 * Critical Thinking
 * Technology is not a 21st Century skill, but can be incorporated to enhance the other skills


 * Driving Question:**
 * Open-ended
 * Guides student learning
 * I like it to be action oriented, but this isn't required

Googleable: What are the negative environmental effects of mining? to Open-Ended: How can we develop a plan to reduce the negative effects of mining?

Abstract: What is a hero? to Relevant: How can we share stories of local heroes?

General: How do architects use geometry? to Focused: How can we design a pool that meets specifications and falls within our budget?

Teacher-Speak: How does the criminal justice system contribute to recidivism rates? to Student-Friendly: How can we reduce crime in our county?


 * Need to Know/Engagement Factor:**


 * Launch your project to promote engagement
 * Link to the DQ
 * Start the inquiry process
 * Removes the "why do we need to..." question from students
 * Inquiry List is created from this
 * NOT a logistical list of questions
 * Questions should be revisited
 * Can add to and delete as needed
 * Helps the teacher to plan the daily scaffolding that will need to take place to ensure a successful project


 * In-depth Inquiry:**
 * Students should be asking new questions
 * Goes beyond simple research and reporting of research
 * Students are producers and not just consumers of information
 * Data analysis and problem solving


 * Voice and Choice:**
 * This will vary depending on the course and grade level
 * Promotes student ownership
 * Teacher still needs to be in control, however
 * Could be on topic, on design, on final product, on audience choice
 * More advanced practices could lead to the design of their own project and their own DQ


 * Reflection and Revision/ (now Critique and Feedback):**
 * Creates a more professional end product
 * Students are metacognitively involved in their learning
 * Not just about editing writing only
 * Revisit the N2K/Inquiry list


 * Public Audience:**
 * Moving beyond the classroom and the teacher
 * Incorporate experts when possible
 * Expositions should be interactive
 * Panel presentations
 * Letter writing campaigns
 * Online audience must be intentional


 * The Hidden Demands:**


 * Logistics
 * Scaffolding
 * Assessment
 * Differentiation