Reading Reflection #4

1. Long on activity, short on learning outcomes- when planning a project, it's important to keep in mind the outcomes that a student will get from the project. Is the project really worth their time if they can gain the same knowledge simply by reading a chapter of a book or listening to a lecture?
  Technology layered over traditional practice- it is important for students to understand technology and use it for their projects, but that should not be the primary outcome of a project. Technology should help students obtain a goal, and not just a fancy way to present a project.
  Trivial thematic units- Thematic teaching is not PBL, however that doesn't mean it has to be trivial. As teachers, we just have to be careful not to turn thematic teaching into a repetitive, useless project. Instead we should think outside the box to turn it into PBL.
  Overly scripted with many, many steps- As teachers, we don't want to assign projects with limited or predictable results. We should avoid "recipe" projects and allow students to reach their own outcomes. This will lead to more significant learning.

2. First things first, to create a good project you must avoid the potential pitfalls discussed above. Flexibility is huge when designing a project because projects will not always be "cookie cutter" or predictable--broaden the topic for the kids and let them explore their own options.

3. Good project ideas can come from anywhere if you open your eyes. Teachers can look through books, get ideas from colleagues, find ideas online, etc. Once you get an idea for one great project, it will get the juices flowing for your next big projects.

4. The first step in designing your project is to revisit the framework. This is where you make a list of the learning objectives and decide what you want your students to get from this certain project. Next, you must have a good grasp on the topic if you expect your children to succeed in the project. It is important to understand your students and imagine what they will gain from this project. After that you must plan a theme and structure for the project. And finally, you must think of how you will introduce the project and get your students excited for it.

5. This chapter relates to our project because it gives us advice on how exactly to set up our first project. As a team we can take advice from this chapter and use the concepts in our own project, such as learning outcomes and flexibility.