Reading Reflection #11

1. As a result of using the Project-based learning approach, students and teachers alike should feel as though they have gone on a journey together while collecting memories and learning. Completing a project should open new doors for future projects and students should be able to see connections with their learning thus far.
2. To “bring your project home,” you can start thinking of ways to make your project better in the future. You can see which technology helped benefit this project, what type of classroom organization flows best, what kind of community leaders you'd like to reach out to next, etc. Make sure to continue to collaborate with the same colleagues you did during the project. It's a good idea to debrief on the project and find its positives and negatives. Also, share your insights with other teachers. If your project worked well, find ways to encourage other teachers to use this project, or give helpful tips on how to have a successful project. Try to enter a contest. This provides even more critical feedback on your project, as well as exposure for all that you and your students have accomplished. Finally, make sure you reflect on the project and remember to enjoy the journey.
3. Concepts in this chapter relate to our project because we are currently in the phase of wrapping it up. We are putting together all that we've done by creating a website and sharing it with our colleagues. We're taking the time to reflect on all the steps we took to create our project, and we are appreciating all that we've accomplished!

Reading Reflection #11

1. As a result of using the Project-based learning approach students will become more independent and teachers will be more prepared. Teamwork will be used among students who are working on projects and also among the teachers who are getting ready for their projects. By having students participate in a project-based learning approach we are setting them up for more success in the future by preparing them for the real world and having them develop their 21st century skills.
2. Some ways you can "bring your project home" is to praise your students. Teacher need to acknowledge all the new skills their students have acquired so that the students know their teachers are proud of them and so that they can be proud of themselves. Teachers and students together need to share what they've done and what they've learned and reflect on things that can be changed or improved for next time.
3. Both of these ideas relate to my project and future classroom because they are things that are necessary for me to do. There are a number of different benefits to participating in project-based learning and this chapter and this book has proven that it is an essential part of the classroom.

Reading Reflection #10

1. It is important to set aside time for reflection because if a classroom is moving at a fast pace, reflection helps students to realize their accomplishments. It also helps them to to look back on what they've learned and to create their own meaning from it. Reflection also helps students to see the big picture set up within their classrooms.
2. Students need to reflect and elaborate because it helps to anchor their learning. By reflecting and elaborating students are able to think for themselves and become more independent. By elaborating students should be thinking about why something worked or didn't work within their project. As teachers it is our job to help them expand on these thoughts they have while reflecting and elaborating if they are struggling to come up with any ideas.
3. Schools can build tradition and identity by connecting their students to their school. By calling your students by their school mascot or reference what the school stands for students will be able to build an identity and keep up with the tradition. By doing this students will feel encouraged and thus their learning will be able to excel and they will be able to accomplish more.
4. It is important to celebrate a project after it is done because the students worked hard on their assignment and they should be proud of what they've done. By referencing the agenda or calendar and putting projects on display students will be able to celebrate their work. Actually having a celebration or a party works well after a large project too.
5. All of these ideas relate to my project and my future classroom because because they are all great ideas and tools that I will be able to implement into my own teaching. 
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Reading Reflection #10

1. Setting aside time for reflection is important because it can help students feel good about what they've accomplished as well as allow time for the information to stick. They need the time to reflect on what they've done and how far they've grown personally.
2. The reason students need to reflect and elaborate on their experience during projects is because it allows them to think about what they learned, what they liked or disliked about it, how far they've grown as learners, and what they want to learn in future projects. It's best to let students reflect on the accumulation of their project because that may cause students to learn the fundamental content better. It's also a great way for students to think about their creative growth and how they overcome obstacles.
3. Schools build tradition and identity by establishing traditions like having successful sports or academic teams. They can also build tradition by having exemplary project work that connects them to the community. In the community, identity is created by allowing them to volunteer in the learning and experience of the school which creates a mutual respect of each other.
4. Celebrating a project is incredibly important because it gives an ultimate motivation for students to do their best. If they know their results will be shown with community members or parents they have a bigger drive and goal to create a good identity for their school. Student's can put together a slide show, diorama, or fill their whole classroom with photographs. Something that encompasses the whole project and makes them feel good about what they're doing.
5. Concepts in this chapter relate to my project because we are in the final stages of our project. We are creating a website that represents the culmination of all we've done. We will present our information which will celebrate the work we've created in the class. It's also blogs like these that allow us to reflect on all the work we've done. 

Reading Reflection #9

1. A method of understanding prior-knowledge of students is to assess what they already know by asking them specifically what they know about a certain subject or to have them write out what they know through a graphic organizer such as a KWL.
2. It is important to establish anchors for a project because you are able to get a sense of where the students are starting and how well they are meeting their goals. As a teacher this is important for project-based learning because the students are doing so much independent work that we need to be checking in with them.
3. Several ways to assess what students learned during the project is to use the standards set up from the  different area disciplines. You could ask what they have learned, ask them for feedback, and not consider what you want to measure but how you will assess improvement.
4. All of these things relates to my project because they are ideas I can use in my own classroom.

Reading Reflection #9

1. A method of understanding prior-knowledge of students is to find deliberate strategies that show not only what they created, but the teamwork, effort, and creativity that went into the project as well. To do this, one may follow The National Center for Research on Evaluation, Standard, and Student Testing which encourages teachers to use multiple types of evaluation. 
2. It's import to establish anchors for a project because it's hard to understand how far a student's learning has come, if their beginning point has not been observed. Knowing that all students will start at a different place and end at a different place encourages the teacher to differentiate instruction to allow all different types of learners to be successful.
3. There are several ways to assess what a student has learned throughout the project. For starters, the way that the grades are represented in the grade book matters. There should be various categories; such as, understanding of content, written communication, critical thinking, and work ethic. Simply asking a student what they learned can show a teacher the student's connection to the material. It's also possible to ask students to create something new about what they learned as to prove that the students are able to transfer their knowledge to other disciplines.
4. This chapter relates to my topic/project because we are at the point of the project where our students need to be evaluated on what they've learned. In our technology class, we as students, are experiencing the same thing. We are creating our website as a representation to show everything that we've learned throughout this semester. It's a great evaluation tool, as well as a way for us to be able to show off everything that we have developed and learned.
   

Reading Reflection #8

1. Some ways to build connections and branch out beyond the classroom is to share your experiences and work with colleagues or by posting on a blog. You can have your students do this as well in order for them to connect with the community or the outside world. This way the students are being connected with real people and having real life exchanges with a live audience. 
2. The EAST Initiative Model emphasizes student-driven learning authentic project based learning, technology as tools, and collaboration. It is a program that extends from lower elementary all the way to high school. This program was started 18 years ago and has been a great success. It allows students to be independent and ready for the real world. It also is a great way for teachers to be prepared and ready for what to teacher their students.
3. Reasons to let students "lead" their projects is because the best way to make sure someone understands a concept is to have them teach it to somebody else. The students are incredibly comfortable with their projects and as the project progresses they will become more confident and want to take over the role of explanation on what is going on to the rest of the class. 
4. All of this is relevant to my project because they are all things that I can use in my own classroom. The EAST Initiative Model is a great tool to use for my classroom in order to see the best outcome and allowing students to connect and lead their own project discussions helps them to become independent thinkers and doers in the community.

Reading Reflection #8

1. Some ways to build connections and branch out beyond the classroom can be by integrating technology into the curriculum. When students know that others can view and comment on their work, they become more motivated to do their best job. When students are able to work with actual experts in the field, this inspires and encourages them to continue. They can build connections with people in their communities as well as people throughout the world with the use of technology. Teachers can connect with other teachers across the globe to establish a curriculum of sharing ideas and cultures.
2. The EAST Initiative Model stands for Environmental and Spatial Technologies. Students in this model use sophisticated technology to solve community problems that interest them. It contains four essential ideas: student driven learning, authentic project based learning, technology as tools, and collaboration. Along with that, it is crucial for teachers to gain training and support. Their roles in the classroom shift to facilitator, which dramatically changes the way they're used to teaching. At the end of each school year there is an annual conference where students can showcase their projects.
3. Letting students “lead” their projects is an excellent way for students to participate in more critical thinking as well as a motivation for deeper learning. If students can choose a topic that they're passionate about, then they can lead themselves to their own understanding while still using the necessary 21st century tools. Leading themselves is something that is necessary in the real world, so when teachers are comfortable with their students abilities, its beneficial for them to give their students the reign.
4. Concepts in this chapter relate to our project because we are trying to continually find ways for our students to branch out. We have pen pals in Chile that allow us to more deeply understand the differences in cultures as well as specifically the environments in which we live. We have local experts that come in and help our students achieve their goals and help educate them on the current problems in our community. These concepts are very necessary to any project based learning project.
   

Reading Reflection 11

With a PBL approach you obtain knowledge and skill sets and learn about team work and collaboration.  You collect information and produce artifacts and gather new ideas.  Then you should think about the PBL approach as an open door to more new learning and ideas.

This involves sharing and critquing your work and your student's work so you can improve your PBL next time.  Asking questions like, "Did we use technolgy effectively, enough, not enough?"  Did you gain insight into the world or into the worlds of your students?  Use various websites to share your discoveries, archive your PBL on the web.  Another idea is to become a resource for other teachers.  And having your students be teachers to the approach is also an effective idea.  Entering a contest can be powerful, as well as considering publication in a professional journal. 

The most important thing to remember is that you built on your relationship and level of trust of your student's and that can ultimately help them succeed.

I think after our project is complete, we could share it with other schools in the district or better yet post a video of  it on Utube. 

Reading Reflection 10

It is often said it's not the destination that is important but the journey.  With students in a classroom you need to celebrate their successes in some way.  And also we need to thoughtfully reflect on the project and the steps we took and what worked and what didn't and what could we have done differently.  And finally what else is there to discover? 

As a teacher, setting time aside for the sake of reflection is very important.  It can be relaxed and a time to think and breathe and really pause.  Because students are often rushed and teachers as well, it is crucial to give an opportunity to think about the learning experience. 

It gives students a chance to ask questions, and try and figure out why it is ( if it is) important for them to be involved in this PBL.  Did it change them in someway?  How is the world better/worse for their efforts?  Maybe it's their community that was affected.  They can reflect on new skills, different perspectives, new realizations and new questions. 

With learning and growth comes new feelings, with the end of projects more feelings.  They need a chance to process those feelings.  Help point out positives.  If the school does not have a tradition of PBL now they do, they were the group that.........raised $1,000 for a homeless shelter, etc. 

Once they do that, they can have pride and take pride in their efforts, class and school.  At the end of the project or during you should celebrate as a class, the hard work and effort involved.   This is an inclusive time.  Small and large successes and efforts should be noted and recognized.  Progress should be as well. 

I love parties, celebrations.  Students can be excited and help plan the type of celebration, who to invite how to include say the 3rd grade pen pals in the party via Skype, etc.  This is a great time of sharing and establishing new norms and recognizing outstanding accomplishments.

This will be a part of our garden project because 3rd graders love a good celebration!

Reading REflection 9

Assessment is a constant.  It comes in many forms and that is no different in PBL.  The authors emphasize active learning and with this also comes active assessment.  We use both formative and summmative assessments throughout the process.  To understand prior knowledge of students in the assessment process you have to know your students and ask the poignant questions that get to the heart of what they know and what they want to know.  Formal "testing" is not the only way.

Achors are important  because everyone is starting from a different place.  And this helps hold us accountable for just how far in the end that they've traveled in their journeys of discovery.  You want to have quality in the learning experiences and not testing for the sake of testing but to determine which direction to lead them in. 

You can assess students by having them grade/assess themselves, by having them manipulate something in the projects, or create something with their information.  You can have portfolio assessment and anecdotal assessment.  Another way to assess, is to simply ask them what they've learned.  This could be done orally in a paper, or in a creative way.  A play, a presentation, a poem, podcast etc. 

Summarizing an synthesizing what they've learned is also important and figuring out what questions they still have would guide future inquiry and learning. 

When doing our school garden project, you have to have ways to assess the students involved.  Was it through the excel graphs that they created on plant growth?  Was it through the collaborative process with penpals in Chile? 

Reading Reflection 8

Building connections and branching out of the classroom can be done by integrating technology, using tools that share information, virtual pen pals, a classroom blog, podcast, digital story, etc.  Students also need the experience of reaching out to professionals for expertise and for networking and collaboration.    This can be facilitated through the teacher or the students or a parent, etc.  You also can connect to recent newsworthy stories and research being done in the field.

When students meet with field experts, they need to be aware of concise questioning and preparation.   New conversations can be started through these new relationships. 

The EAST model which stands for Environmental and Spatial Technologies Inititative network of schools shows how schools can solve problems and make improvement in their communities through the use of technology.  This reminded me of a lecture when they were using GPS systems to track the horned toad out in the desert.  The kids really got into it, all due to a collaboration between a local university and the school and the ongoing research the kids got to be a part of.  Which included field work.  It seems to be a model that works,  It is student driven learning, authentic and project based, uses technology and uses collaboration.  It got me thinking about writing grants to fund a GPS in our classroom etc. 

I like the idea of letting students lead.  It takes some pressure off the teacher, allows for creativity with the kids and also helps develop leadership skills.   There are numerous benefits to an approach like this with the goal being creating independent learners who are good at asking questions and finding answers as well as solving problems. 

I think with our garden project, giving the locus of control to the students can empower them and make them take pride in their work and school and allow them to brainstorm ideas as well as adding a level of responsibility to their decision making.

Reading Reflection 7

How to keep a project moving along?

Basically good communication is needed between students between students and teachers  and from teacher to teacher and through the use of technology.  Teachers need to support their students and check in with them.  We can do this by asking higher order questions.  Ones that make them think more and become independent learners.  For example, asking open ended questions versus yes/no questions.

21st Century skills involve good communication and teachers need to be mindful of thoughtful questions that lead students through the inquiry process.  Checking in with students can be done through teamwork, understanding, self assessment, and procedurally.  Projects should progress in an orderly fashion and ideally everyone should get along and work together.  By being a thoughtful teacher you can monitor for this and be a good facilitator as well.  During projects and the use of technology you have to have goals in mind and keep questioning what is the usefulness in utilizing this particular type of technology.  And you have to be knowledgeable about the technology. 

Troubleshooting is also important as well as managing conflict and using formative assessment and student self assessment throughout the process of the project. 

Reading Reflection #7

1. The different levels of discussions within the classroom include teacher to teacher, student to teacher and student to student. Teacher to teacher includes collaboration among colleagues. It is incredibly important and helpful if teachers and staff work together as a team so that the students benefit. Student  to teacher includes open paths of communication between these two parties. Students need to be able to tell their teachers how they are doing on their projects, what they are struggle with, what their strengths are, etc. Lastly student to student includes students working together and interacting with each other in order to problem solve.
2. While students are continuously working on their projects it is important that the teacher consistently check in with the students. This can be done in a number of ways which includes procedural questions such as how they are stay focused and on task. If they are on time with the schedule or not. Another way is to ask questions about teamwork. If everyone within the group is contributing  and how individuals are getting along. Understanding is a third area that teachers can check in with their students. Making sure that they are expanding upon their questions and that this is evident throughout their project. Lastly teachers need to make sure that they pose questions for the students to self assess themselves.
3. The benefits of students optimizing the use of technology includes reaching goals that they set for themselves, helping them to stay organized, expanding their horizon and gaining new insights. These are all great benefits for students to gain because it is helping them to grow and developing into high functioning people.
4. Some 21st-century skills that can make or break a project are troubleshooting and teamwork. Troubleshooting helps students to prepare for real-world challenges and teamwork helps students to work with fixing conflicts that might occur within the team.
5. All of these concepts relate to my project because as a teacher I will need to make sure that I am constantly checking in with my students. And that all levels of communication are being put into practice so that my students will be able to benefit in their projects. Lastly it is important that my students are exposed to technology and use them throughout their projects so they are ready for the real world.