Blog Post 9

What Can Teachers and Students Teach Us About PBL?

In the article Seven Essentials for PBL I learned that getting the students attention and keeping them wanting more is very important. When introducing a new topic make sure that you have a driving question. Also make sure the students understand that they need to know certain information to complete the project, not just for a test. I learned that students should have a voice throughout the project, but of course the teacher should be there for guidance and to set broad limitations. Projects should give the students a chance to be independent learners, experiment with new technology, different type of communication, deep thinkers, and problem solvers. I learned also to give the students the opportunity to present their work, because one day they will have to present to a company.

In the video PBL for Teachers I learned that you need a great driving question with PBL, the students will need to constantly think about an answer this question throughout the project. Common core standards are important and are there for a reason. Common Core Standards are evidence based, clear and understandable, combined with application of knowledge and work skills. PBL allows students to work on skills they will need in real life. For example, group discussion gives the students the opportunity to work on communication skills, which we all know is very important.


Watching the video What Motivates Students I learned that telling the students when they have done well or accomplished a goal helps the students to strive to do even better. Looking at the bigger picture, knowing that going to school is a process and wanting a successful life and to provide for their family helps motivate the students. Extra-curricular activities and a better life style motivates students. My favorite was one student saying how his teacher has a board set up with different color with different meanings and if you get a certain color or off the board you have to pay the teacher using classroom money. Which I thought was a great life lesson, teaching responsibility and the importance of time and money.

Watching Crafting a Driving Question shows the very importance of a good driving question. The teacher needs to make sure the question is simple and clear so the students can understand. Most importantly the question needs to cover the proper material for the lesson, covering the the most significant part of the lesson. This way the students can dig as deep as possible for all sorts of information on the topic.


Watching PBL in Math I learned that PBL is a great way to give the teachers a voice on how they want to teach and gives all students a chance to engage throughout the lesson. Opposed to only engaging when the teacher asks a question. I learned that PBL is about life lessons and trial and error. PBL will not look the same in every class. One teacher states that she uses PBL in her Algebra 2 class, but PBL is not in every single aspect of her class. She states that she uses PBL where it can fit. The video also discusses the apprehensiveness of PBL because it is new, but will be beneficial to both teachers and students.