Chapter 9 reflection

In chapter nine of project based learning the authors discuss the importance of building connections and branching out beyond the classroom and discussed several different ways to do that. One strategy was having sixth graders use a blog, in this they were demonstrating use of technology and after the project the teacher noticed his student’s huge writing improvement. It’s through exercises like blogging that children can use technology outside the classroom and still build connections to what the class is discussing inside the classroom.

The authors also discussed the EAST model, which is the environmental and spatial technologies initiative. In this initiative the authors claim “EAST Initiative have been demonstrating the benefits of using technology for a real purpose-to solve problems and make improvements in their own communities”(Krauss & Boss, 2014, loc.3324). Students following this initiative master tools and applications that help with the community which allows them to branch out of the classroom. The fundamentals of this initiative are very high levels of student engagement with real world applications, it’s interesting to note that this program began as an elective and is now crossing into core curriculum.

One reason why we need to let students lead their project is because students need to be responsible for their own learning and by doing this kind of project we are actually making them more proficient learners. Another reason is for student engagement, if the student constantly feels bogged down with teacher talking at them then they are less likely to learn and more likely to be confused later on the project. Letting students lead their own project is extremely important and something I will keep in mind when performing PBL in my classroom.  

Our project lines right up with this style of thinking by allowing children choose which type of physical activity they perform, they will be in control of their learning. Obviously this fits more with physical wellness but after the project we will have children research similar ideas where they may once again take the lead and choose which topics they want to learn more about. This chapter was a good friendly reminder that student driven practice is a much more effective style of teaching then just picking what lesson you want to talk about and boring your students.