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Mastering the Role of the “Content Infuser” in PBL
In a learner-centered classroom, the traditional view of the teacher as the all-knowing sage-on-the-stage shifts into something more dynamic. But even in the most inquiry-driven environments, teachers still serve a critical function: the “content infuser.” This might sound like a fancy buzzword, but it nails the reality that even in student-led spaces like project-based learning (PBL), teachers still need to introduce new information, ideas, and frameworks for students to chew on, ponder, question, and grow from. The teacher provides those crucial moments where new knowledge is introduced to help students explore, connect, and make sense of their world. But here’s where it gets interesting—the delivery of this new content doesn’t…
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Project Based Learning – Creating Balance
I was heavily involved in the theater departments in my high school and college. While I loved acting, I was also extremely drawn to the light and sound booth. I was taken by our ability to use specific lighting or sound to create a mood for the set or impact how the audience saw the performers. The more involved I became with PBL, I found that creating the right balance for a project was a key to a successful project for my students (and for me). Just like adjusting the lights on a stage to set the perfect mood, teachers can manipulate various aspects of PBL to create an effective…
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Practical Techniques for Fostering Collaboration in Project-Based Classrooms
Teaching collaboration skills in project-based classrooms is essential for successful learning experiences. Explore informal techniques like active listening and fishbowl discussions, alongside formal methods such as structured peer reviews and observation feedback, to enhance student interactions and foster a supportive, collaborative environment.
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Influence
Video transcript provided by https://www.temi.com/So I was a little bit hesitant to choose a one word for 2021. My word for 2020 was PAUSE and I feel like the universe took that a little bit too seriously. So, I was a little bit hesitant about choosing word; I wasn’t really feeling it. Then a colleague today pointed out that I really did use my word last year. She noted that I took it to heart and I really was conscious about pausing in situations to be less reactionary and more thoughtful in decision-making. So, I thought for a while about things that have been on my mind. I’ve been very…
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Two Questions: Grades and Student Created Learning Outcomes
Today I had the opportunity to participate in a webinar hosted by AJ Juliani. While I will never get used to presenting to a completely quiet room, I am very thankful to the lively group and the awesome questions they posted in the chat. There were two questions I did not have time to answer and they are excellent. So, I wanted to take some time to respond. In project based learning, students uncover and rehearse their learning while they complete the project. The project, in essence becomes the instruction. For this reason, it doesn’t always make sense to grade that work. After sharing this thinking, one of the participants…
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Four Promises For Work Life In Quarantine
I knew that working from home during a quarantine wasn’t going to be easy; I think we all did. I did not, however, set myself up for success during the first two weeks and it landed me in a pretty bad place. I worked for too many hours and did not take care of myself. So, I am making four promises to myself as we start week three.
