Week+7+Reflections+(Dec.+14)

The concept of project based learning gives the teacher an exciting and engaging way to transform teaching and learning in their classroom. It makes the content more meaningful and relevant for the students. The series of assigned videos are especially useful for demonstrating the process of using project based learning in the classroom. I especially like how this teaching strategy requires and indepth investigation of the subject matter. It also uses professional experts in field that enriches the teacher's knowledge too.

In the second video the teacher used direct instruction to explain the projects and then used reflective writing activities both before and after to encourage the students to extend their thinking and determine how the could've improved their project. Project based learning uses hands-on, student-directed activities. Educators that use this model contend that learning a particular content standard doesn't necessarily occur on a given day. Students demonstrate their learning of the concepts through projects and learn it when they need it.

The third video demonstrates how the teacher circulates around the room among the groups. He checks learning activities, works with groups to problem solve, encourages students to explain and extend their thinking and requires them to provide evidence to support their answers. The teacher uses formative assessment as he asks probing questions to determine the students' understanding of the concepts.

As an adminstrator, the video clip, "Schools That Work" ([]), attracted my attention. In this particular school students demonstrate their knowledge and learning. The schools expects teachers to ALWAYS strive for academic rigor and seeks ways to accomplish that task. The characteristics of successful academic rigor illustrated by the YES Prep school inlcudes:
 * integrated studies - core subjects are team taught, i.e. math and science, humanities and language arts.
 * project based learning
 * comprehensive assessment - grading is transparent; students receive rubrics before the project and know exactly what to expect (rubric categories include Just Beginning, Approaching, Meets, Exceeds)
 * student reflection and critical thinking are key components of each project
 * presentation skills are more developed because students must present and defend their projects for teachers, parents, community experts, etc.
 * students must prove their added value to the school and the community
 * students must be reflective about how they've grown
 * learning is fun and serious at the same time
 * preparation for college is a major focus of all activities
 * teachers and students are passionate about their learning.