Project Based Learning
What is Project-Based Learning? I discovered Project Based Learning while looking for alternative ways to assess my students. At that time, I was not satisfied with how my students were learning. They acquired many concepts by heart, and they felt extremely nervous and anxious during oral exams. Therefore, I wondered what I could do to make learning a more pleasant experience.
One day I came across this wonderful book called “Hacking Assessment” by Starr Sackstein, and it literally blew my mind! In this book, the author says that projects lead to optimal growth and opportunities to learn in a more relaxed and friendly way. That is what I needed for my students, and from that day on, I have devoted hours and hours to learn about PBL and design projects that spark curiosity and drive language learning.
Why PBL? Project-Based Learning is a teaching method in which students acquire knowledge and skills by trying to respond to an engaging question, problem, or challenge. Students work collaboratively using and developing different skills like creativity, critical thinking, and communication.
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The Stages of PBL
The Driving question
It is the challenge or problem that the students must solve. The answer of a driving question is not easily found on google. It makes students think, explore and stay focused. Driving Questions are also open-ended questions; they allow students to approach the challenge from different viewpoints. A driving question calls for in-depth learning exploration and critical thinking. Referring back to DQ for each project stage is crucial to push learners in the right direction. DOWNLOAD EXAMPLESÂ of DRIVING QUESTIONS HERE!
Entry Event or Project Kick-off
It is the activity that will engage learners in the project. It might be a song, a short reading, a video, or a quiz. The entry event is the hook that will generate interest and the need to know more. This activity should be short but memorable and including novelty can help to activate the dopamine system and speed up learning.
Knowledge Construction
During this stage, students will build the necessary knowledge to answer the driving question. This knowledge usually involves the subject content and understanding of the target language. In PBL, language is used to mediate and structure knowledge, through language, students are able to articulate their understanding of the material, express their opinions and ideas, and develop arguments and problem-solving strategies.
Project Development
Students will work in groups at this stage to create a product or develop an activity or task. In consequence, they will feel empowered and the drivers of their own learning path as they are creating something of their own. Giving them voice and choice at this stage will truly motivate them to achieve their goals. Another important skill that they will need to develop is collaborative skills so they have an optimal learning experience. Need to know how to teach cooperation among your learners? Check out this blog post! CLICK HERE.
Project Presentation
Presenting a product in Project Based Learning (PBL) requires an authentic audience. This audience might be other students, parents, or the community. Students can create a website or blog to showcase their products, and use tools like Google Forms to collect and analyze responses from viewers. Additionally, they can reach out to their local community and ask if they’d be interested in giving them feedback. All in all, authentic audiences help students connect what they did in the classroom to the real world. For the teacher, demonstrating what students have learned is a way of gauging how much knowledge and skills learners have acquired.
Self-evaluation and reflection
The use of rubrics is essential to help learners assess their own work. In education, a rubric means “a set of criteria for grading assignments”. Knowing the rubrics very well before doing their project is essential if we want our students to know what is expected from them. Teaching students to be critical evaluators is vital to empower them and help them gain independence and autonomy.
Do you want to get some project-based learning ideas? Check out these examples of projects I designed with my students!Â
Super Heroes
Driving Question: How can I design a SuperHero? Summary: Students will investigate about superheroes and find out similarities and differences among them. Then, they will create their own superheroes, and describe their abilities and physical appearance. Optional: They can also create a mascot/pet as their helpers. Language Content: Physical Descriptions. Abilities.Audience: Family, friends. The takeaway: We are ALL special. Find this resource in my Store CLICK HERE!
My Vegetable Garden
Driving Question: How can I create my own vegetable garden? Summary: Students will learn about plants and what they can grow in the garden school or their homes. They will prepare the soil, and add organic compost, mineral rock pellets, etc. Then, they will plant the seeds in different containers and then put them wherever they want as long as the plants get plenty of sun and a good supply of water. Language Content: Plants. Food. Environment. Audience: students and families. The takeaway: Be patient, nature has its own process of growth. Find this resource in my Store CLICK HERE!
My Video Game tutorial
Driving Question: How can I create an entertaining and useful video game tutorial? Summary: Students will plan their video game tutorial/walkthrough. Then, they’ll record and produce their video. Tell them to pay attention to grammar and how they pronounce words. Ask them to practice many times before recording! Finally, students will add transitions, effects, and captions to their videos and publish their work! language Content: Conditional sentences type 0 and 1. Audience: the world. The takeaway: We can ALL teach something. We are always teachers and learners. Find this resource in my Store CLICK HERE!
Alright, I bet your wheels are turning, and you’re thinking of new ways to build authentic projects with your ESL EFL students. If you want to get some ideas and get started with International ESL Projects, CLICK HERE!
You can visit my store if you want to get step-by-step lesson plans with engaging projects for your learners!
Best.
Paula
