Project-Based Learning
Project-Based Learning in a highly interactive and informative nutshell!
Grade Level: Professional
http://www.edutopia.org/modules/PBL/index.php
CONTENT: This is a free training/instructional module provided by The George Lucas Educational Foundation to assist teachers, administrators, and professional development trainers.
AESTHETICS: This professionally developed site is quite attractive and user friendly. QuickTime is required for viewing the video, and PowerPoint Player is needed for the slide show presentation. Links to download those utilities are available at the site.
ORGANIZATION: The module is divided into four areas: Why is project based learning important? What Is Project-Based Learning? How Does Project-Based Learning Work? and Project-Based
Learning Resources. Each of the areas can be accessed from a graphical navigation bar near the top of the page.
REVIEW: This Project-Based Learning Module is a terrific free resource for teachers, administrators, or staff development trainers interested in implementing this method of teaching in the classroom. The module could be used as a self-study course or as a staff development presentation. The Web-based, interactive modules answer the what, why, and how of project-based learning and include video clips of real teachers, students, and schools who have implemented project-based learning. In addition, there are articles that describe the projects shown in the videos. Also included is a PowerPoint presentation that can be viewed in the browser or downloaded and shown from your computer. The slides are complete with speaker's notes and suggested activities and readings for anyone to use as they give a presentation advocating project-based learning. All the files can be downloaded in .pdf format for reading offline. Tucked away in the resource section is a link to an article that you don't want to miss in these days of testing mania: "Measuring What Counts: Memorization Versus Understanding."
