Reading Reflection #11

When using the project-based learning approach, results occur that open new doors and create connections. Each project that is created links to previous ones, as well as ones to come. Students and teacher can reflect on their projects and determine what worked, what didn't work, and what they could change. This reflection of the project not only offers students to extend their learning but also gives the teacher input on aspects he/she might alter for years to come. Also, lessons or activities from one project could also be useful in a future project. The project-based approach allows teachers to collaborate with other colleagues, which can even be extended after the project. Teachers can learn from other teachers as well as help critique lessons and activities to help the students learn to the fullest extent.

After a project is complete, the best thing to do is share it! There are various ways in which teachers can help get their projects out. The first way is through a network, so that teachers from around the world can see your project for inspiration, ideas, and even to give feedback. Another way is to create a project library. This can be done by creating a place to archive project plans, such as in the school library. Another way is through an archive on the Web. This is a pretty popular approach for teachers and is a great way to show off student work and even a reflection of the project.

This chapter relates to our project because just like the book talked about, we are making a Web page to share it with others! It's pretty cool to read that this is exactly what real teachers are doing with their projects. It makes it even more meaningful to create our websites to know that other teachers will be viewing it and possibly even using it in their own classrooms. I definitely agree with the book that it is a great way to show off what the project is made up of and to get to personalize it the way we want.

Website Outline

Introduction/Getting Started (all)

-Podcast

-Cook book lesson plan

Math (Emily)

-Measurements (fractions)

Kitchen Safety (Emily)

-Appliance Safety lesson plan

-Kitchen Safety movie

-Food Safety/Sanitizing

Choosing the Culture (Tom)

-School Survey lesson plan

-Florence, Italy movie

E-pals (Tom)

-E-pals lesson plan

-Map

-Google Docs Assignment

Preparing for the restaurant (Paige)

-Creating Menus lesson plan

-Pricing

-Creating a Dish movie

-Budgets

The Restaurant (Paige)

reading reflection 10

            It is very important to set aside time for reflection.  Setting aside time for reflection is a time when students can look back at all they learned during their project.  Reflection is a time where students can look at what works for them and they can do to improve or change for future projects.

            Students need time to reflect and elaborate because students need to see and understand the progress they have made during their project, not just the material they have covered and hopefully mastered but skills they have learn along the way, soft skills like time management, team work, and problem solving.   Time for students to reflect and elaborate is a time for teachers to hear how students viewed the project and what needs to be changed for future project done by bot the teacher and student.

            There is always one aspect of a school that rises above the rest; sports, music, academics, math & science, or the arts.  A community stands behind their school and supports that school because of what they are good at, they hold this tradition.  When teachers create traditions students will stand behind them and support each other. 

            Because of the higher energy and higher-level thinking that goes into project-based learning, students put a great amount of energy into their own learning.  Their successes should be celebrated.  Celebrating students’ success can be as simple as showing off their work either in the class or through a blog or website. 

            At the end of this project we are putting all the work we have done through out this project into a single website, a place for us to show our work and effort we put into everything.  During our meeting with the instructors of I think we are given a time to reflect on what took place during our projects.  

Reading Reflection #10

When it comes to Project Based Learning, setting aside time for reflection is a crucial part of the process. By students being able to reflect on their progress within a project, they can feel good about what they have accomplished as well as revisit ideas that they have already learned, to further understand them. When reflecting back on a part of a project, students can see if there are any areas for improvement and learn from any mistakes they may have made. Reflections show what students have learned, the growth that took place during their learning, and what exactly they want to continue learning in future projects. The true purpose of a project is revealed through the reflection of it, which students can easily see. Reflections can include a variety of questions, but the end focus should be on the positive experiences that took place during the project.

It is crucial for students to not only reflect on their project, but also to elaborate on it. By the end of the project, students should have an open mind about what they want to find out next. They are able to use concepts from their past projects to help explore new ideas. Reflection is a great way for students to elaborate on their existing projects as well, when used throughout the project. This breaks that project up into smaller parts for the students to reflect back on and to apply previous strategies to new ones. A good thing for a teacher to ask to help students elaborate is to ask them where they want to go. Of course, students are going to give a variety of answers, but at least the teacher can see what they already know as well as what interests them.

Many schools have certain identities and traditions that they are known for. It is a big part of the community and is an example of the pride that comes from each individuals town. Project based learning is a great way for schools to establish a tradition. Each year, the community, teachers, and students could have the chance to come together for a specific purpose. Younger students will also look forward to what they will be able to help out with when they get older. Projects are a great way to get the community involved and also to reach out to experts to gain even more knowledge on a topic. The more the community sees the accomplishments that students make through their projects, the more supportive they will be. Encouraging outside help is something that is crucial in projects, so teachers should invite parents and friends in to help as much as possible. This way, everyone in the community can benefit from project based learning rather than just the students. By making projects a traditions in some communities, they also have the advantage to look back at previous projects to help with current ones.

No matter what happens throughout a project, it is important to make sure the students hard work and effort is celebrated. Project based learning involved many higher-level thinking skills, so the learning that takes place should of course be acknowledged and rewarded. Different ways to celebrate projects include showing off the student work, putting on an event, creating a blog or website page, or even having a party.

This chapter relates to my own project that we have been working on because it talked about getting parents and the community involved. This reminded me of when we made a podcast to share with parents what our class has been doing. Podcasts are just one example of how teachers can connect with parents and also to invite them into the classroom. Teachers could even make a YouTube movie like we did, to get others involved that may live out of the community. No matter what way you use to connect with others outside of school, encouraging the community to help with the project and get involved is an important part of project based learning.

reading reflection 9

A method of understanding and activating prior-knowledge of students is thorough activities that allow students to connect what they already know to what they want to learn.  An activity that allows students and teachers to track prior knowledge is a KWL, Know-Want to Know, and Learned.  Students can fill this out at the beginning of a project as a way to map out their project to make sure all question they write down are answered throughout their learning process.  At the end of the lesson, students complete the chart, L column with what they learned. 

Establishing anchors for a project is crucial in the process of tracking students’ success and downfalls.  Anchors are used during projects to allow teachers to see \ where a student is starting, how well they are coming along in their learning, and if any instructional methods need to be changed.  Without anchors, students would not have a starting point or a direction in which they need to go. 

   Assessments for students are an important part of projects; assessments help students and teachers track progress.  There are several ways of assessing students, one popular one is using rubrics.  Rubrics are a guild for both the teacher and student.  Rubrics also help hold students accountable for what they need to learned and do because they know what is expected of them ahead of time.  Another way to assess students’ work is by letting them tell you what they have done whether through an interview or a classroom book, students can give their honest opinion and reflect on their progress. 

Through writing and receiving assessments, we have learned many different ways of approaching certain parts of lessons, like assessments.  We learn what works for some people and what doesn’t.  In the lesson plans we have written, we incorporated rubrics that benefitted both ourselves as teachers and out hypothetical students.  Not just in this class but other classes we have talked about KWL charts and how they help students ask questions and help guide their own learning.