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Exploring Project Based LearningCody MalloneeNational UniversityITL 522 Content Area LiteracyRobin MooreZaidJuly 10, 2020Section 1 – Identification and explanation of the main characteristics of Project-Based Learning (PBL)When using Project-Based Learning in the classroom we are looking to center our learning around projects and not just having our students do worksheet after worksheet. We are looking to get our students more engaged and have a more lasting impact in their learning. Normally PBL is a project that involves small groups working together to meet a specific goal through asking questions, debating ideas, making predictions, collecting and analyzing data, drawing conclusions, and communicating these ideas to an audience. Through this type of process, we are trying to get away of boring the kids in the classroom and get them excited to work on these projects. Student engagement is the center of Project-Based Learning, it is what makes PBL so interesting and intriguing. Instead of asking our students just to do a worksheet and take a test, we are giving them the opportunity to interact throughout the lesson, collaborate with each other, and assess themselves. This not only keeps them more engaged in the classroom, but it is also making a more lasting impact on learning and their future. Section 2 – Benefits of Project-Based Learning in Literacy and Language Development within Content AreaBeing that I teach 7th grade math, I use Project-Based Learning a lot in my classroom to keep my students engaged. We have all heard students ask the popular question of, “When am I ever going to use this math?” So by using Project-Based Learning, I get to show my students exactly how we will use this math in a real world situation. Having these projects often in class, it keeps the students from getting bored in math class. We all know that many students do not enjoy being in math class. I really think that has a lot to do with teachers not using Project-Based Learning in math class. If we are just handing students worksheet after worksheet in math class and saying, “Solve this”, then it is no wonder our students do not like math. We as math teachers need to implement Project-Based Learning in our classrooms to show the students that math doesn’t have to be just a worksheet. In math just like any class, when using Project-Based Learning we are helping our students with language development by having them collaborate in these small groups. I love using small group discussion in my classroom because it urges our kids to use academic language when talking with peers. These conversations that our students are having are extremely powerful and wonderful to see in the classroom on a daily basis. Section 3 – 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. There are so many benefits of Project Based Learning in the classroom that it makes me wonder why more teachers do not use PBL in their classrooms. The first benefit that comes to mind for me is having the students collaborate with each other. This will help all of our types of English Learners in the classroom. It gets them to use their academic language with each other, which is exactly what we want. I think another benefit is empowerment. With PBL, we are essentially giving our students the keys to the car and letting them take over these projects. We as teachers are allowing our students to take ownership of their progress and accomplishments. A third benefit of PBL is having our students work on their critical thinking skills. This is something that helps them not only in class, but in the future as well. A fourth benefit of PBL is creativity. We are allowing our students to be more creative with these projects. I think this is when we see the best out of our students. I think it is really powerful when we allow our students more freedom in the classroom.Section 4 – Closing remarks and implications for instructional practice.There are so many reason why more teachers should be using Project Based Learning in the classroom. I think for me personally, I love the fact that it gives our students more freedom and creativity in the classroom. We are keeping our students engaged more in the classroom, instead of just doing the same old thing with them. This type of learning is so much more lasting for our students that it will help them learn so much more in the classroom. ReferencesProject Based Learning. (2020, April). Retrieved July 10, 2020 from Benefits of Project Based Learning. 2018, July 11). Retrieved July 10, 2020 from ................
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