project-based instruction and the importance of self-directed learning

Project-Based Instruction and the importance of self-directed learning

@schink10

Oliver SchinktenStaff Author, LinkedIn + lynda.com

Today’s Goals1. Address some concerns with education

2. Share a potential solution

3. Discuss tools & resources

4. Allow time for Q&A

Concerns in Education What is the purpose of school?

Concerns in Education What is the purpose of school?

?

Interdisciplinary

Students do not see the connections between the different subject areas.

Why are we writing? This isn’t literacy,

it’s science.

Why are we doing math?

This is science!I think they are serious!

1. What is science?

2. What is literacy?

3. What is math?

4. What is art?

1. What is science?

2. What is literacy?

3. What is math?

4. What is art?

my 3rd hour class

my 5th hour class

my 1st hour class

my 6th hour class

Preparing students for their future What skills do they need to succeed?

College & Career Ready

Preparing students for their future What skills do they need to succeed?

College & Career Ready

Preparing students for their future What skills do they need to succeed?

College & Career Ready

Preparing students for their future What skills do they need to succeed?

College & Career Ready

What about Life-Ready?

Preparing students for their future What skills do they need to succeed?

Communication & collaboration skills Problem solving skills Technology skills Know “how to learn”

It is critical for our students to become self-directed learners.

It is critical for our students to become self-directed learners.

It is critical for our students to become self-directed learners.

Engage students in:

Higher Order Thinking

What is the solution?

Project-Based Instruction and self-directed learning.

Project-Based Instruction doesn’t have to mean:

A charter school or special program

Project-Based Instruction doesn’t have to mean:

“canned projects”

Project-Based Instruction key ingredients:

1. Authentic projects. Authentic audiences. 2. Extend learning beyond the school & school day. 3. Collaborate with the community for resources,

opportunities, and expertise. 4. Projects demonstrate students’ understanding of

content knowledge. 5. Require higher order thinking skills.

Project-Based Instruction key ingredients:

6. Incorporate 21st century skills. 7. Equip students with resources. 8. Teach skills. Don’t assume they have them. 9. Foster an inquiry-based classroom. 10. Foster a student-centered classroom.

Project-Based Instruction Authentic projects for authentic audiences

Science Club

Project-Based Instruction Authentic projects for authentic audiences

Science Classes

Project-Based Instruction Authentic projects for authentic audiences

CommunitiesLearning with the community, in the community, in order to make the community a better place.

Communities• Part of the regular high school day • 75 students • Science, Literacy, Social Studies, Leadership • Together for 3 hours • Responsible for teaching all of the content

Veterans’ Event

Veterans’ Event

Social StudiesScienceLiteracy

Leadership

Veterans’ Event

Introduce the content: • workshops • seminars • flipped classes

Veterans’ Event

Student VeteranStudents will conduct and video record a 1:1 interview with a veteran from World War II, the Vietnam War, or the Korean War.

After conducting the interviews, students will edit their interview video into segments, copy the video to a DVD to present to their veteran’s family.

Veterans’ Event

Meet & greet Interview Video-record interview Edit video Present DVD to family

Veterans’ Event

Authentic ProjectsiPads for Autism Participation Nation - Elections Green School Initiative Sustainable Agriculture Healthy Snack Initiative Neighborhood Gallery Walk Water Quality Testing Alternative Energy Innovations

Project Design1. Investigation Phase

2. Prepare & Plan Phase

3. Action Phase

4. Demonstration/Reflection Phase

Project DesignInvestigation Phase

Workshops Lessons

Guest Speakers Interviews Research Surveys Books Articles Etc…

Project DesignPrepare & Plan Phase

How does this project relate to the content? What does “success” look like? What resources will we need? What roles will be necessary? Who are potential community partners?

Project Pitch

Project DesignAction Phase

Connect with community partners Assess timeline & progress Share group updates Document learning & progress Promote project

Project DesignDemonstration PhaseExecute the project Culminating event Thank-you’s ReflectionsDiscussions

Tools & Resources

Buck Institute bie.org

Youth Changing the World ysa.org

Lynda.com

Determine the game-changers from the gimmicky gadgets.

Role of Educators

TECHNOLOGY

Learning Management Systems

Canvas Moodle

Google Classroom Edmodo

Blackboard Schoology

Edmodo

Google Drive

Adobe Apps for Education

Audacity: audio editing

Camtasia: video editing

Blogger

How are we supposed to learn about all of these different technology tools that we can use?

IMPOSSIBLE

There are way too many tools out there for you to learn about each one.

…by the time you did, everything will have changed.

How are we supposed to learn about all of these different technology tools that we can use?

IMPOSSIBLE

Why would you have to learn all of them?

EMPOWER STUDENTS TO LEARN!

MYTH:Technology will replace teachers

TRUTH:In the digital age, the role of the

teacher is more important than ever.

Guide by the SideExpert Learner

Ultimate ChallengeChallenge Checklist:

___ Throw away the cookie cutters. Embrace teacher diversity.

___ Provide more autonomy in your teachers’ professional development.

___ Find resources to help your teachers learn.

Administrator

Ultimate ChallengeChallenge Checklist:

___ Find authentic projects with authentic audiences to engage students.

___ Engage students in higher order thinking.

___ Teach important 21st century skills.

___ Find technology that maximizes student learning.

___ Never stop learning!

Educator

Oliver SchinktenStaff Author, LinkedIn + lynda.com

Thank you for participating!

Let’s connect!

email: oschinkten@linkedin.com

Twitter: @schink10