Scribd
Upload
37 views

Exploring Project

The document discusses project-based learning (PBL), its characteristics, benefits, and implementation. PBL is a learner-centered approach that uses real-world problems to encourage critical thinking and collaboration. It allows students choice in their learning and involves reflection. Benefits include improved literacy, engagement, and addressing diverse learners' needs. The author reflects on using PBL in physical education by determining goals, driving questions, assessments, and peer feedback to benefit all students.

Uploaded by

api-474255914
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
37 views

Exploring Project

The document discusses project-based learning (PBL), its characteristics, benefits, and implementation. PBL is a learner-centered approach that uses real-world problems to encourage critical thinking and collaboration. It allows students choice in their learning and involves reflection. Benefits include improved literacy, engagement, and addressing diverse learners' needs. The author reflects on using PBL in physical education by determining goals, driving questions, assessments, and peer feedback to benefit all students.

Uploaded by

api-474255914
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 7

Exploring Project-Based Learning

Stephanie Saylors
National University
ITL 522 – Professor Denegri
September 8, 2019
Abstract

In this paper I will discuss the following; Identification and explanation of Project-Based

Learning, benefits of Project-Based learning in literacy and language development in

Physical Education, benefits of integrating UDL when implementing PBL for English

speakers, ELL, Standard English language learners, and students with special needs.

Lastly, a brief reflection on implications for instructional practice.


Identification and explanation of the characteristics of Project-Based Learning

Project-based learning is learner-centered and allows students to use their own

knowledge, experiences and tools to brainstorm and solve real-world problems (Buck

Institute of Education [BIE], 2013a). Project-Based Learning is an instructional

methodology that encourages students to learn and apply knowledge and skills through

an engaging experience. It moves away from traditional methods and gives the

students more room to explore, share, and learn in a real life environment through the

creation of “Projects.” Some of the main characteristics of PBL are:

 Requires critical thinking and collaboration amongst peers

 Allows the students to make choices about their learning based on their interests

and ideas

 Involves a complex question or idea that is open ended with relation to the

student’s surrounding world

 Includes the process of revision and reflection throughout the project

 Is a social experience and projects are for a shared audience

 There is a necessity for prior knowledge on central ideas and skills (Lu, 2012)

Instead of short-term memorization strategies, PBL provides an opportunity for students

to engage deeply with the target content, bringing about a focus on long-term retention.

This helps the students stay engaged and improves their attitudes towards education.
Benefits of Project-Based Learning in Literacy and Language development in

Physical Education

Instead of short-term memorization strategies, PBL provides an opportunity for students

to engage deeply with the target content, bringing about a focus on long-term retention.

This helps the students stay engaged and improves their attitudes towards education.

Project-based learning also addresses standards including Common Core, emphasizing

real-world applications, critical thinking and problem solving (BIE, 2013a). Common

Core standards primarily focus on math and language arts. However, integrating these

standards in Physical Education is highly recommended. You can integrate these

standards by providing verbal cues and instruction, introducing new vocabulary words,

practicing counting by using multiples when keeping score, providing students with

informational text on game rules, and spelling out words related to physical education.

You can also have students apply physical education vocabulary words through writing

exercises. Establishing a good PBL plan within the program can allow the teacher to

meet each student at their own individual level. By allowing students to explore,

research and experience, PBL encouraging a greater understanding of content and

skills.
Benefits of integrating Universal Design for Learning when implementing PBL for

the development of content area literacy for English Speakers, English Language

Learners, Standard English Language Learners, and Students with Special Needs

Universal Design for Learning provides the opportunity for all students to access,

participate in, and progress by reducing barriers to instruction. By integrating UDL

when implementing PBL students are more likely to be engaged in their own education,

they are motivated to continue learning, and may achieve at higher levels. Teachers

can also identify the strengths, needs and interests of students across the board. This

will help teachers assess the needs of each diverse learner. In Physical Education, it

can be hard enough to integrate literacy into your lesson and even harder to assess the

needs of English Language Learners, SELL’s and students with Special needs. UDL

and PBL, although it takes a little more time in planning and executing, will be very

beneficial for these diverse learners. It will help in meeting all of their needs as well as

getting them engaged and motivated. The use of technology when introducing a new

activity could be incredibly helpful for these students as well. In PBL, it’s important that

scaffolding is used prior to beginning these projects to make sure that each student is

equipped with knowledge to take on the project with a successful outcome.

Collaboration amongst students is very important and creates an environment that is

beneficial to diverse learners. They can learn a lot from one another.
Reflection

As a Physical Education teacher, I have realized that project-based learning has a

variety of benefits that can have a positive effect on Physical Education. This includes

engaging and motivating students, improving content knowledge, fostering collaboration

and meeting the needs of students with a variety of skills as well as learning styles. For

incorporating PBL in Physical Education, I would first determine my educational goal

then plan my driving question. After implementing the project, I would encourage peer-

to-peer feedback and follow-up with an assessment. I feel that with a little practice and

planning, PBL can be integrated into PE with ease and confidence which will benefit all

students.
References

Buck Institute for Education (BIE). (2013a). Project based learning for the 21st century.

Retrieved from http://www.bie.org

Lu, J. (2012, October 2). Project Based Learning - giving it a go in an English

classroom. Retrieved from https://jennyluca.com/2012/10/02/project-based-learning-

giving-it-a-go-in-an-english-classroo/

You might also like