Blog Post #4

• This article is about Project-based learning (PBL). Why do you think using a PBL approach would be a good idea?
  
  Project-based learning is a really effective way to engage students in learning in a much more meaningful way. It offers a chance for students to develop teamwork and social skills as well as engage in multidisciplinary learning experiences. It has students thinking more critically compared to more traditional "lecture" type teaching. PBL also provides ways to differentiate learning experiences and provides students with multiple means of interaction and expression.
  
  
• What makes the project Moran describes powerful, effective, and worth the time it takes?
  
  One of the biggest advantages of PBL like Moran's Paperbag City is that it allows for students to develop critical thinking skills while teaching fundamental social studies skills that support cross-curricular learning. It is worth the time because the learning is engaging and meaningful which translates into more effective learning, and there are so many concepts covered throughout the course of the project that the teacher doesn't have to feel as though they are substituting that time for more valuable core instruction.
   
  
• Do a Google search for other Project-based learning ideas and share one of them. Describe the project and explain why you'd like to do it in your classroom.
  
  One project that I found, and really liked, was creating postcards about the community's history that students can sell in a public space like a library, museum, or local shop. It allows for a lot of exploration and gives students a choice within the project parameters (like the wax museum project we read about where students got to pick one person to portray). It also focuses beyond just a school project and connects to the community in a larger way. I also like that there is opportunity to involve math if students decide they want to sell the post cards and/or use the money to fund raise towards a goal.