Project Based Learning has arrived

Project Based Learning (PBL) utilizes in-depth projects that facilitate learning and assess student competencies. It is a method that presents students with complex tasks based on questions or problems that involve students in problem-solving, creative thinking, decision making, design, research and reflection that include teacher facilitation without teacher direction.  PBL focuses on problems or questions that drive students to central concepts and principles of a subject using hands-on methods. This type of learning is then applicable to the students outside of the classroom in real world situations while stressing that there are many ways to solve a problem.

First grade teacher Mary Yackey utilized this approach in answering the question: “How can a python live in Van Wert with a Komodo Dragon?”  Working in groups, the project began in the Fall, with the students’ visit to the Ft. Wayne Children’s Zoo and choosing of an animal to research. The following quarter, students began to research their chosen animals to discover their

animal’s requirements for survival and to establish through their research whether their animal could survive in the environment that Van Wert has to offer them. Utilizing newly acquired I-Pads and the educational app “Explain Everything”,  the students created individual reports. Concurrently, the students began in groups, to develop habitats to support their chosen animals. The final part of their project consisted of a presentation to their parents to answer their initial question.

Videos were made and are available for viewing at: www.facebook.com/StMarysVanWert.  As a closing remark, Yackey added that the students developed collaboration skills and it was a very successful project.