Chapter three reflection

In chapter three from Reinventing Project Based Learning I really liked how the opening paragraph compared taking a trip or vacation to how teachers should approach their preparation for a classroom. The analogy is striking that we must prepare, plan and picture what your learning should look like and how teachers can prepare themselves and their students to have a successful year in school. One big idea that I really like from this chapter was how in our current curriculum the results of most teaching is often predictable and generic with a straightway learning objectives that can become boring for students and the teacher. Compared to assessing student’s projects, teachers should find that this style of learning is more contextual and students can use the textbook more as reference book than the old crappy book we use every day. Thinking about the big ideas of your curriculum is another important idea that teachers can use to go over what you will be teaching to help you become more effective. Another cool idea that I keep hearing is brainstorming with your colleagues to become a more proficient teacher. Some essential learning functions for teachers to have students to do are; research, make ideas visible by expressing ideas creatively, collaborate with other students, use project management, encourage reflection, and finally help students tap into shared curriculum. By using these strategies our student’s will become more proficient learners by adapting new strategies for success. I will try and use this information to plan my practice around trying to engage my learners by using these strategies to become a more profficent teacher.