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https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wpmdLhVC4mIRHZA-EGYwOsizAv2zU0c7tFffKyOUyHg/edit

Corin, Amanda, and Lydia worked on this together in class on January 28.

Revised Concept Map

Collaborative Concept Map

Our revised concept map =) Hopefully our project is more clear now!

Amanda Miller

EDT 3470

January 18^th 2013

Reflection #1 Chapter 1

            Before starting this course, I was not at all familiar with what project based learning was. I became more familiar with PBL when viewing the video clips that were shown in our lecture last Monday. I was able to better understand the meaning and how this learning technique can be extremely beneficial to students and teachers. When I think about project based learning and what I need to keep in mind with being a future teacher, is that project based learning can take time in getting used to, but only effort is going to determine how effective and successful this teaching style will be for students. To be successful, my students and I must be aware and become more familiar with different uses of technology in order to better assist our students in their learning journey.

            Project based learning can be beneficial in many ways. Some of the overall benefits I found that are crucial in this learning is that technology projects are more motivating. I say this because, it may be more engaging and meaningful than the average pencil and paper; it’s different. It is a different way of learning. Another benefit of project based learning is that it encourages collaboration, meaning, working with small groups or partners can build on students relationships as well as interest, participation, responsibility and improves social skills.

            There are benefits to students who participate in PBL aside from the overall benefits. One of the ways that PBL can be beneficial to students is that it combines classroom knowledge with real-life experiences and skills to better prepare students for the world around them. Another benefit for students is that it is hands on, and a fun way of learning. It will give students a higher level of stimulation. Yet another benefit for students and PBL is that it allows students to have more one-on-one time with their teachers, instead of listening to lectures or taking notes and asking questions as a whole class.

            Taking a look further into what issues need to be considered in PBL approach, I feel that PBL should not take over classroom learning 100%. Although I think this is an excellent learning technique and fully support it, I do not think that this is the only learning tool that should be incorporated in the classroom. On the other hand, I do strongly believe that PBL should definitely be considered in all schools as a new tool of education and learning, I think that PBL is an awesome discovery for students to work independently as well as collaboratively.

            When reading this chapter, the school discussed, New Technology High seems like a school where the district views technology as an important factor in furthering and better preparing students for the future. With that being said, I strongly agree that our future generations will have to know the “in’s and out’s” of technology and how business’s and career field’s look for people with strength in technology. They look for people who can work independently and work together on assignments. This high school seems to understand the importance of PBL and have faculty that are willing to work to the best of their ability to help students understand this new method of learning and better prepare them for their future. I would love to work in a school district that supports PBL

Reading Reflection #1

Corin Justa EDT 3470 – Monday 4:00pm Lab Group #1 – Classroom Kitchen and Catering Reading Reflection #1 1.Things that need to be kept in mind in the beginning of this journey through Project-Based Learning are motivations and ambition to be able to provide students with a new fun and interactive way of learning. It is important to note that today’s students are up to the challenge and will take advantage of the new tools you set out for them in their learning. The projects are worth the effort and will be fun and rewarding for you as you become more passionate about teaching this new way. Students live and learn in the real world, and by incorporating PBL into their education, you are setting them up for success as they step out on their own, remembering what you have taught them and helped them accomplish. 2.The overall benefits of the PBL approach are providing students with a new engaging form of teaching that requires them to work together in groups to discover and solve problems that occur in our growing world and communicate these new findings using the same technology that they used to learn from. 3.The benefit PBL has on the students whom participate in this type of teaching style is a new, fun, interactive way of learning. Students become responsible to accomplish new goals among their peers, with a learning outcome that is rewarding. This new way of teaching provides students with more than just lessons that they will learn and forget after leaving high school. Students will take pride in their work and their experiences with technology and the education they learned while using technology will stay with them as they go out into the world. 4.Issues that need to be considered in the PBL approach include how to provide a successful learning environment for your students using this new approach. Teachers need to know that they are learners too, and that they will grow and achieve new goals as their students do as well. Teachers have to to engage their students in order to have a successful work environment. As in the old-fashioned ways of teaching, it is also important in PBL to have expectations set, a classroom management style, and ways of assessing and collecting the student work. Without these prepared elements of a solid foundation of teaching, issues may arise. It is the teacher’s responsibility to provide confidence in the technology approach so that students, parents, colleagues and principals find your new ways of teaching just as exciting as they do. Without the success of their students learning, teachers may have trouble getting others to support and appreciate their new teaching style. 5.New Technology High provides an example of what all schools can become from the New Technology Model. If enough teachers become engaged and successful in this new form of teaching, it will begin to spread to all classrooms and become the new centerpiece of teaching approaches. It will design a new change in education and technology will become readily available all students in every classroom.

Reading Reflection #1

Lydia Harpe January 18, 2013 EDT 3470-4:00 Lab Reading Reflection #1: Introduction and Chapter 1 I hadn't heard much about project-based learning before starting this course, but from the video clips I've seen in our two lectures so far I think that this teaching style is beneficial for students by preparing them for real life situations. As a future teacher hoping to implement a curriculum much like the ones described in this book, I must remember that project-based learning takes considerable effort and time. In order to get the results that will help my students the most, both myself and my students must be up to the challenge of using technology and other modern resources to aid us in this learning process. Business and corporations in our world today are looking for future employees who can work together on projects and assignments in a cooperative environment. By introducing project-based learning to elementary students, we can give them an advantage in jump-starting their future careers, even when they are as young as six or seven years old. These sorts of projects, which span all subjects and connect students with people across the world, are filled with numerous benefits for young (and old!) and students. The school discussed in this chapter, New Technology High, is a haven for educators who see the advantages of project-based learning and are actively working to help their students learn in such a way. These teachers and principals realize the importance of technology as a “tool for discovery, collaboration, and communication” (12) and continually work together to connect their students in a worldwide learning network. Though realistically, implementing project-based learning sounds like a lot of work, I agree with the educators quoted in this text that the long-term benefits far outweigh the time and patience needed in the short term. I hope that someday I work in a school that is as open to this approach as New Technology High is.

Concept Map Draft

EDT 3740

Ok,
I'm in here for REAL this time :)
-Amanda Miller

EDT 3470

Hi there, this is Lydia Harpe! I'm part of Group #1, which will be exploring classroom kitchens and catering throughout the winter 2013 semester here at Western Michigan University. Stay tuned for helpful advice, tips, and visuals relating to classroom kitchens and catering!!

I am awesome!!! =)