This site is a class blog space for new Career and Technical Specializations and Heathcare Science teachers enrolled in the New Teacher Institute (NTI) at Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia.
Monday, October 6, 2008
Project Based Learning...Expanded?!
I have been wanting to try something for awhile now, but I'm not sure how to fully implement it. Also, it doesn't completely go along with NTI instruction, but I still believe I could make it work with my advanced students including using set inductions and transfers. Here's the question....I have a class of 3rd plus semester students who are taking a new (to me too) pathway, General Medicine. I have been doing the traditional model of covering a unit and testing with some skills and research added to the mix. These students have a variety of interests in health care so I would really like to tailor the information to each of those interests. I would like to allow students to pick from content that I have provided to them and work at their own pace, with prompting. I can only think of 3 students that I will have to watch closely, the others are highly motivated (I believe). I would set timelines for due work, design projects that can be shared with classmates, and work 1:1 or in small groups on skills. I know this will be a lot of prep work for me, but ultimately the students will benefit. Am I biting off more than I can chew? Does anyone have ideas on how to implement this type of lesson plan. Our school is doing a lot of work on Unit By Design which goes along quite nicely with Project Based Learning and again, I believe this type of freedom would benefit my advanced learners. HELP!
I give you credit! I think you have thought this through and have covered all your basis. My suggestion to you: make sure your ruberic is clear. I did something similar to this last year and wish that I had defined my ruberic a little different. If you have any questions you can email me. Good luck!!
ReplyDeleteGo for it Teresa. Your idea really sounds good and I think it can work well especially for those students that can work independently. The General Medicine Pathway really requires a lot of thinking outside the box.
ReplyDeleteI am thinking, and hear me clearly, just thinking about developing a year long senior project for next school year. A project that will promote career development and professionalism. Time is the only thing I don't have enough of right now.
Go for it Teresa.
I think if you assign the project as a year long or semester long project and allow the students to work on it independently 2-3 times a week in class or in the library would allow you the time to check progress and work with those students that need assistance.
I tried this with a smaller class,(22) and it worked well. With the larger classes it required constant supervision to keep them on pace. I suggest you provide not only instruction of what is to be done but an example of what the finnished product would look like. Some students need the visual to help them see their way. Good luck with your project, the students learn as we do. Ken
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