Blog Post #7

Project Based Learning Projects 1 & 2 Experiences of a Third Grade Teacher

By: Braque Group

We really learned a lot from these two videos. From the first, we learned vital information on the overall goal of project based learning and how to approach it. The goal of any project based learning plan should obviously be to create a project. This project should have an authentic audience so the students should feel that their work is being noticed. Another way to do this is to involve the community. Once our students see that the content they are learning affects the immediate world around them they will see school work with a greater importance. The way we approach this goal is to realize that these project based learning plans are not created for an easier way to evaluate the student but for better means to get them to learn. Another approach is the ACCRS standards. These state standards are the focal point to base every classroom project around. We took note of the problem that Anthony faced when dealing with a student whose father would not allow him to do the project because of personal reasons. It seems as though Anthony calmly averted the problem by simply changing that particular student’s project. It is very important that teachers be flexible when problems arise and that was an excellent example.

#5 The Anthony - Strange List of Tips For Teachers Part. 1

By: Daniel LoVette

Although we learned a lot from everything on this list, there were a few main points that we perceived as very important. First, we as educators should never get a big head. There will always be more to learn and we should grow every single day. Not only should we learn more but we should want to always be learning. Second, Anthony said “work is not separate from play.” This means that even though teaching is hard work, our work does not stop at the last dismiss bell at the end of the day. We should enjoy researching new education techniques. And lastly, always be flexible and creative. If something does not work, don’t be afraid to change it. Be able to respond to events that are unexpected.

#6 & 7 By Morgan Rushlow

Video 6- Don’t Teach Tech- Use It.

What can be taken away from the conversation in this video is that a teacher doesn’t have to know technology to use it in their classrooms. The students may already know how to use it, so the teacher must step back from teaching technology and just let students create using it. It is important to be a learner yourself, Anthony said. However, it is important for students to learn proper use of technology.

Video 7- Additional Thoughts on Lessons-

What can be taken away from this conversation is that it is important to know how you will plan your lessons and understand what goes into each lesson plan and all the things that must be considered. Yearly content standards, how students will be assessed, what type of lesson you will teach, and how much time you want to spend on each topic should be considered. Anthony said a project-based lesson plan is four layers thick and has to consider the yearly standards, coverage of the unit, the lesson for the week, and what to cover each day. Anthony said you have to make sure you can cover all you want to cover when making the lesson plan.