Blog Post 9

   This week we were asked to answer the question "What can Teachers and Students teach us about Project Based learning?" I found this blog post to be very helpful because not only are we learning from teachers, but also the students. The students' perspective is important because they are the ones who are subjected to this type of learning. All of the resources below will help with the answering of the question.
    The Seven Essentials for Project Based Learning are important to any teacher who plans to implement this in his or her classroom. It covers the point that each student must find the project as personally meaningful. These also need to fulfill an educational purpose. When beginning a project the teacher should start with an entry event, such as a video. Then, introduce a driving question, formed from what was discussed in class. It is important that students pick the way they want to present their projects. This adds a creative touch; which will make the students more interested, in the project. Also, these projects help students build their 21st century skills, such as collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and use of technology. Instead of making the students just conduct research, it is better if they start with their own questions that lead them to sources. It is also important that at different points, in the project, students evaluate and critique each others work. Students need to present these projects to others. This way students feel that the project is more meaningful.
    Project Based Learning for Teachers is also a good resource to use. I liked this video because it gave insight into the many aspects of Project Based Learning. The video explains that students work for an extended period of time on a driving question. These types of projects help students with communication skills. This video also explains the how and why of Project Based Learning. This video is great for someone who doesn't quite understand Project Based Learning.
    I chose to watch PBL: What Motivates Students Today. I found this resource very helpful because it was students talking about what motivates them in the classroom. One student pointed out that he liked it when teachers tell him how well he did on a test, project, etc. Other students explained that getting good grades would help them. Each student explained which motivators were the best. Most of them described that, if they received something, like a prize, it would motivate them the most. These include things like candy, food, be able to go outside, stickers, school supplies, and brownie points. This is great to know, especially for future teachers, who have not detailed a motivator plan out yet.
    Ten Sites Supporting Digital Classroom Collaboration In Project Based Learning is also another resource I chose. There were many sites included that help students with collaboration. There were three that really stood out to me. One was Wall Wisher, because the teacher can ask students to contribute to the wall. Their thoughts are posted onto the board by individual post-it notes, so that each thought is separated from one another. The next one I chose was Google Docs, because we already use it for this class and I like to idea of more than one person working on a document at a time. And the last one I chose was Skype in Education, because the teacher can bring experts into the classroom easily.
    Two Students Solve the Case of Watery Ketchup is the last resource I chose. These two students decided to design a new ketchup bottle cap to help with watery ketchup. This was a year long project that they conducted. They used the idea of Project Based Learning coupled with the use of technology. They used the latest technology to design the new cap. I liked this resource because it was a great example of Project Based Learning at work.