One of the most interesting things I have learned so far in this course is how to use Problem Based Learning in the classroom. These types of learning experiences can be coupled with online collaboration tools to create meaningful learning experiences that are infused with technology. PBL promotes students autonomy in the learning process (Ertmer & Simons, 2006). This type of project would be great to use with my secondary students, who will be responsible for their own learning in just a few, short years. I would like to incorporate more of these types of experiences in my teaching, while still staying focused on integrating more technology tools as well.
Looking at the ISTE-NETS standards, I would like to focus on one in particular, promoting student reflection using collaboration tools. Reflection is a key element of PBL, according to Ertmer and Simons (2006). I have found that most students do not engage in reflective thinking on their own, so this is something I must guide them through. Thinking back on one’s progress, identifying areas of strength and need, and looking forward to next steps are the pieces of reflection. I can support my students in this process while incorporating collaboration tools like wikispaces. PBL lends itself to the use of collaboration tools, which can in turn be used as a means of reflection. In addition to the goals I have set previously for myself, I would like to work towards creating a PBL project for my students to engage in meaningful, collaborative learning.
Ertmer, P., & Simons, K. (Spring 2006). Jumping the PBL implementation hurdle: Supporting the efforts of K-12 teachers. The Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning, 1(1), 40-54. Retrieved from http://docs.lib.purdue.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1005&context=ijpbl.
Megan,
ReplyDeleteOne of my colleague's has her students keep a reflection journal. Each week she gives them a grade printout of the previous week's assignments and then they journal their reflection of their grades. The objective is for students to begin to see a correlation between their efforts put forth in their studies and the grades they are attaining. I wonder if you could use something similar with your students either in a wiki, blog, or even an electronic journal that is only seen by you and the student. I know that grades are a sensitive subject so having students reflect in a public forum may get complicated. I have wanted to start the reflection journals myself, but haven't found the right time for them yet. Good luck with your new goals!
I believe that by teaching your secondary students to reflect on their learning using collaboration tools is a great thing to do at their stage in life. Teaching students to reflect can only help them as they go throughout the coming years. These students will need to reflect on their learning as they take new steps in life and as they study for the important tests they will take in their future. Reflecting on their strengths, needs, and progress will help guide them to take the right path and make the best choices by knowing what “works” for them and helps them to meet their learning goals.
ReplyDeleteThe reflection piece is great to do with your secondary students. They are at an age where they can look at their work and their effort and be honest with themselves and understand the consequences of their choices. The reflection is something that you could also do on a daily basis to just help the students gather their thoughts from the day and reflect on whether or not they understood the lesson and it is a great form of assessment for you to make sure the students are accomplishing what you want them to during the PBL lesson. From there you can supplement as needed.
ReplyDeleteMegan,
ReplyDeleteAs you said, reflection is an important part of PBL, but I think technology is as well. Technology tools make good PBL experiences much easier to complete logistically in a classroom setting. The technology involved in conducting a PBL project would also fall into the category of technology use to do new things rather than technology use to do old things differently. I think that incorporating more PBL experiences will be a good way to extend your integration of technology in a way that really helps your students learn the content as well as real life skills for the future.
Laura