Project Based Learning


 I just finished an innovative three day training through my district on Project Based Learning, or PBL. This builds on my PBL training experiences at the Buck Institute, and with Michael McDowell (Author of "Rigorous PBL by Design"). At the end of my third training, I am feeling more confident and ready to implement more projects in my classroom. Last year, I launched my first project about early explorers. It culminated with students having to persuade the Queen to fund their voyage. This year, I look forward to including a new one about Native Americans and how geography, climate, and access to water impacted where they lived. They will present a proposal to local city planners or other experts on where they think the best place to build housing in town would be.




 I was really inspired by this training, and it was great to be with my district peers. The training set us up to collaborate in the future. When we see each other at district meetings we can be reminded of this precious time we spent together learning (even if the air conditioning was on strike). Through discussions, we revised our ideas and made them better. I truly think our projects are better because we worked together and shared our thinking.
 I want to take this passion to the classroom in the fall and share it with my students. I want them to collaborate with new people. I want them to realize that what they create together is much more valuable than what they create in isolation. We all have gifts and talents and by sharing them we become stronger. 

I know my conclusions aren't new or surprising, but having so many talented professionals together was a great experience. I feel lucky to have found a career where I am encouraged to learn and grow. I love that reflection and revision on my teaching practice is supported by my district and peers. In the next two weeks I will be attending more professional developments, so check back for updates!


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