Reading Reflection #1

Throughout the introduction of “Reinventing Project Based Learning”, Boss and Krauss did a great job supporting the idea of establishing a new way of teaching, reinventing Project Based Learning.  All of the stories that were discussed about teachers who incorporated this new project based learning method into their classroom were very excited fulfilled with the results.   

As the students of Western Michigan University’s teaching program are introduced to the reconstruction of Project based learning and the success stories that are available, they more than likely will develop an interest in incorporating this method into their classrooms.  While beginning the journey through Project-Based Learning, it should be kept in mind that the majority of today’s students are up for the challenge.  As students are exposed to new modern forms of technology throughout their everyday lives, they appreciate the opportunity to take advantage of exposure to new technologies through this method of learning.  There will need to be communication and cooperation between the teacher and students.  Project Based Learning is a new direction in teaching that has adjustments that will need to be made.  However, It should be kept in mind that the projects that take place in the classroom are rewarding and worth the effort and will likely restore or create a new passion for teaching.  After the students have completed their project in the past, traditional method of learning,  the papers that contained the regurgitated information are likely to be thrown in the recycle bin and the success of the student’s completed project forgotten.  With the reinvented Project Based Learning, it should be kept in mind that students live and learn in the real world.  Once the student’s projects are successfully completed, they should be encouraged to share their findings and take part in other areas of study of the topic.  With this incorporation of sharing their findings with the public, the students will realize that their work matters. It should also be kept in mind that new, modern technologies such as laptops and access to internet are a context that encourages the Project Based Learning approach to teaching.  The access to this technological equipment and doors of communication it opens should be kept in mind. 

Project based learning is rewarding for the teacher as well as the students.  The relationship between the teacher and the student becomes stronger as they develop new ways of working together and accepting and incorporating new ideas.  Through this new method being used in the classroom, students develop good communication skills as well as inquiry skills, learn to be flexible with their working hours, develop a full understanding of how the world works and come to the realization that they, themselves, can do something to make a change in the world. 

            Although Project Based Learning has received outstanding reviews, there are also areas that need to be considered while undertaking this teaching approach.  Teachers nay discover that they need to conduct more research, or seek expert advice.  Also, unless the entire school’s educational staff is initiating Project Based Learning into their classrooms, it may be an uphill battle to explain the reasoning behind your method of teaching to fellow employees.      New Technology Model has the tendency to attract upward bound teachers and often leads these teachers to advance to administrative positions.  New Technology High received exposure to this method from Curtis, Curtis was eventually promoted to the position of curriculum director.