project-based learning (pbl) an overview of the graduation project unt in partnership with tea,...

Project-Based Learning

(PBL)

An Overview of the Graduation Project

UNT in partnership with TEA, Copyright ©. All rights reserved.

What is project-based learning?

An instructional strategy which:

• allows students to engage in real world research about a topic of interest to them

• requires independent study

• fosters 21st century skills such as critical thinking, analysis, and synthesis


Project-based learning (PBL):

• Completed over time

• Real world focused

• Rigorous & relevant

• Builds on the student’s strength

• Incorporates multiple components


More schools are now actually requiring a graduation project.


Is project-based learning occurring in YOUR classes?


What is the graduation project?

• Project-based learning

• Completed over time

• Multiple components

• Due during senior year


What are the components of the graduation project?

Research Paper

Portfolio

Product

Presentation


Research Paper

Demonstrates proficiency in conducting research and in writing.

Thesis is proven or disproven by the student based on research.


Portfolio

Reflects the project from the beginning and documents process and progress

Suggested documents to include may be:– Approval forms– Logs– Consent forms– Journals


Product

•Relates to the student’s research

•Reflects how the newly acquired

knowledge can be applied


Product Possibilities

• Models• Displays• Charts• Games• Performances• Booklets

• Athletic demonstrations

• Culinary creations

• Logged time on apprenticeships, internships & service learning


Presentation

Oral presentation to a panel of judges

-analysis of the project includes successes, failures, and a reflection of self-growth

Impromptu questioning from the judges


What timeline is common for graduation projects?

9th grade – general information, improve organizational skills

10th grade – topic selection, product plan, improve research skills, begin research


What timeline is common for graduation projects? (cont.)

11th grade – complete research, begin research paper, work on product and portfolio

12th grade – complete paper, product, portfolio; deliver oral presentation


Getting started on this type of project…

In general, the steps in planning for PBL are:

1. Determine project goals

2. Identify tasks, activities, and resources

3. List tasks in sequential order

4. Develop timeline

5. Assign responsibilities (crucial when working in team/group)


Graduation projects can be an extension of any discipline or

specific interest of the student.


What are the responsibilities of the school?

Schools must:

• create an environment that is supportive

• communicate effectively with students and parents, and

• encourage participation from ALL faculty.


What are the responsibilities of the school faculty?

- To be supportive and participate in one of the following manners:

Coordinator – school liaison

Steering Committee – leadership team

Advisory Board – troubleshooters

Coach, Advisor – student guide

Community Coordinator – business volunteer recruiter


What are the responsibilities of members of the business

community?- To serve as mentors and offer resources

A community mentor should:• Be an expert in student’s topic• Provide feedback to student• Enhance student success

The business community may also:• Serve as judges or review panel participants• Evaluate portfolios and presentations


What are the responsibilities of the students?

• Follow procedures

• Seek/obtain approvals

• Meet timelines

• Demonstrate competency/proficiency

• Adhere to ethical standards


Do the parents have specific responsibilities?

• Participate in school awareness sessions

• Access information via available resources

• Support child(ren)

• Volunteer


What skills will the student need to use?

• Critical thinking

• Analysis

• Computer skills

• Information retrieval

• Problem solving

• Self-directed learning

• Synthesize information

• Teamwork

• Creativity

• Communication

• Collaboration

• Reflection

• Active listening


What should be considered when choosing a topic?

1. Academic standards and project guidelines

2. Potential for self-growth (learning stretch)

3. Essential question

4. Career interest

5. Cost

6. Broad enough to be researched, narrow enough for depth


What are some examples of topics ?

• Using robotics to create virtual worlds

• Investigating a local business’s data network plan

• Exploring architecture of various computer systems

• Effect of internet use on the music industry

• Encouraging the use of community recycling

• Documenting the life of a WWII veteran


How does the product relate to the topic chosen?

Topic Effect of internet use on the music industry

Product idea

Produce a documentary from a series of interviews of professionals in the recording industry


How does the product relate to the topic chosen? (cont.)

Topic Encouraging the use of community recycling

Product idea

Develop and implement a community awareness campaign for a specific community


How does the product relate to the topic chosen? (cont.)

Topic Documenting the military experiences of a WWII veteran

Product idea

Create a short story about life as a WWII soldier


What are the benefits of having students complete a graduation project?


Student Benefits

• Promotes practice of skills necessary to be successful in workforce and in life

• Engages student in learning

• Facilitates a learning stretch

• Provides opportunities to make real world connections

• Builds confidence and self-esteem


Educator Benefits

• Helps teachers make connections with business people in work environments

• Validates required knowledge and skills necessary in the 21st century

• Connects academics to real world application

• Promotes career awareness


Business/Community Benefits

• Promotes career awareness

• Influences potential employees

• Gives employees opportunities for leadership outside of day-to-day office activities

• Demonstrates value of community service by upper management

• Provides opportunities for employee recognition


The graduation project is the vehicle!


Web Resources• www.ncpublicschools.org/graduationproject/

• www.watauga.k12.nc.us/graduation_project

• http://pblmm.k12.ca.us/PBLGuide

• www.gsn.org/web/pbl

• www.awedtabor.org/Graduation%20Project.htm

• www.warwick.k12.pa.us/orgmodule.php?deptid=0&schoolid=0006&mid=21

• www.publicschoolreview.com/articles/50


http://www.ncpublicschools.org/graduationproject/

http://www.watauga.k12.nc.us/graduation_project

http://pblmm.k12.ca.us/PBLGuide

http://www.gsn.org/web/pbl

http://www.awedtabor.org/Graduation%20Project.htm

http://www.warwick.k12.pa.us/orgmodule.php?deptid=0&schoolid=0006&mid=21

http://www.warwick.k12.pa.us/orgmodule.php?deptid=0&schoolid=0006&mid=21

http://www.publicschoolreview.com/articles/50

project-based learning (pbl) an overview of the graduation project unt in partnership with tea,...

Documents

students research

research skills

graduation projects

grade complete research

project goalsidentify

graduation projectunt

real world research

product plan