Research on PBL
When looking for research on Project-based learning it was a bit difficult. There is a good deal of information on research using PBL in the medical field or higher education. It was challenging to find research based on K- 12 education. The 21k12 blog site contained a post that contained and examined many of the sites I found myself.
Consensus seems to be that PBL is a least equivalent to traditional teaching methods. Some studies state that acquisition of content knowledge and standardized test performance is the same or possibly higher through the use of PBL. There definitely seems to be research that shows PBL to be more effective with long-term retention of knowledge, motivation of students, especially diverse learners, and the teaching of 21st century skills.
As with any instruction, it seems as though high quality, trained teachers in PBL with school systems supporting the use of PBL is the most effective. There is always the possibility of good and bad teaching instruction, curriculum, or school/administration support. This is equally true with PBL. Just adopting the idea and use of PBL is not going to bring change. Following certain guidelines, research based practices, and having school-wide support makes the difference.
There is a great article on Edutopia that succinctly states the crucial components that must be included in PBL in order to evoke positive change.
- The project should be designed carefully and thoughtfully. When designing a project, possible solutions that could be made by students should be examined. Plans, materials, and skills needed can then be planned for ahead of time.
- Successful student collaboration needs to be promoted by tying together individual accountability with team goals.
- Formative and summative assessments need to be included in the process. There needs to be opportunities for review and revision as needed by students.
- Professional development and chance for collaboration for teachers must be provided.
Resources
Jonathan E. Martin. (2013, March 23). PBL: What does the research say? [Web log post]. Retrieved from http://21k12blog.net/2013/03/23/pbl-what-does-the-research-say/
Vega, V. (2012, December 3). Project-Based learning research review: Evidence-Based components of success. Edutopia, (2014, June 23). Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/pbl-research-evidence-based-components
PBL and Me
I do feel as though my room, my principal, and my attitude all lend to project-based learning. The room is usually arranged for group work and I always work with my students on building collaboration skills. I know there are specialists in the building that would support projects outside of the classroom. I hope to have an intern who could also help. While we do not have 1:1 devices for second grade in my building, I have 4 students computers and we have a lab of 28 computers basically dedicated to second grade use.
I also believe I need to continue to make changes in my teaching style to keep students motivated and on task. In the past few years I have had students with very challenging behaviors. There seem to be multiple times during the day when I have to stop instruction to deal with behaviors. I believe PBL will help keep some of those behaviors to a minimum. However, if they do occur, instead of stopping instruction for all I can address the behavior while everyone else is still working.
1st Grade My Healthy Self Project - http://www.dukeschool.org/podium/default.aspx?t=152031&rc=0
Even though I teach 2nd grade, this would be easily adaptable to second grade. Most of the activities could remain the same, but the expectations in work and quality of work would be different. We are a Wellness school and this touches on many of the goals of our building. Not only does this project incorporate nutrition, but it includes physical health and mental health as well. I would incorporate something I found out about this summer called Peace Circles. This is a program that teaches students how deal with their own feelings and their relationships with others which is another aspect of mental health as well as community building and collaboration which is needed for this project and life. I know that our PE teacher would be willing to become part of the project as needed. Our tech teacher would also be willing to work with me. Parts of the project that I liked the most were the fact that it brings in many community members to talk to students and answer their questions and help with research. It also ties in other subjects besides science in a very practical real way.
I know there will be some additions and/or adaptation that I will make to this project. I will need to dig a little deeper into our standards and make some decisions in the next week.
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