I have enjoyed this class a lot, as it really gave me a chance to bring it all together. It provided the content needed for me to think differently about how I am teaching, and also provided a place for me to explore new aspects of technology within the classroom.
In the beginning of this class I had a more narrow vision of Project Based Learning, one that began with BIE (Buck Institute of Education) and then New Tech Network. Throughout this class, processing through the content, as well as collaborating with my cohort, my view has broadened. The shift that is happening with PBL, CBL, etc...is so spot on for what we need in education. Crafting the background with Linda Darling-Hammond's book, the Creativity and Brain-based research we looked at provided the support and examples that help me better understand the goal of this learning. There is a fundamental change that needs to happen in teaching, and even though we are over 5 years in at NVUSD, we are still recognizing what that is and what we need to effectively implement it. As teachers understanding the WHY behind things is key for us to truly be invested in a shift in our teaching. This class provided that WHY, and with my work as a District Academic Specialist, I intend on sharing this WHY more throughout the work I am doing with Elementary ELA/ELD Leads. It can't feel like one more thing, we have to highight the needs, and begin slowly with things we know will engage the students. Just the shift away from teacher as distiller of knowledge, and to a facilitator of knowledge is a start. Providing some questions for the students to grapple with, and then have them guide where they want to go with certain learning. I look forward to delving deeper in 702 into better understanding how we can move our current model forward.
1 Comment
Kelley Miller
12/3/2016 01:38:58 pm
Well said, Karly! The WHY of project based learning has really impacted me as well. I agree with you that knowing the WHY has made me more invested in "the cause" of PBL. You have a uniquely strong position to spread this "why" as a coach- I feel like so many more teachers would be on board, and more intentional about certain choices, if they also knew why there's a need for this model.
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