Project Based Learning (PBL) Article Reaction

The PBL article I chose to read was entitled, “Students Thrive on cooperation and Problem Solving” by Bob Pearlman.

Mr. Pearlman explained that Project Based Learning (PBL) provides skills that students will need outside of the classroom to survive in their ever-changing world; skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, effective communication, life-long learning, responsibility, self-management, teamwork, and 21^st Century technological literacy. 

He goes on to say that PBL is not a one-time activity worked into a lesson.  Instead he explained that real PBL is “deep, rigorous, complex, and integrated” projects that can take anywhere from three to eight weeks to complete.  During the process students are supported and measured against benchmarks or stages of completion prior to completion of the final product.  And that the focus is not just on the product, but the process of reaching that goal as well. 

PBLs allow for active learning, purposeful learning, and utilization of the important skills of critical thinking, collaboration, and communication.  These types of activities or projects go beyond gaining knowledge and memorizing facts.  As mentioned with PBLs, higher order of thinking are involved, such as synthesizing and evaluation.  This is the purpose of true PBL. 

I agree whole-heartedly.  I can see how, although as a teacher the work to coordinate and choreograph such projects is time-consuming, the reward is more than worth it – true student-based, transformative learning.