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