Project Based Learning Discussion Forum

What is the relationship between technology use and PBL ?

2009-07-30T14:05:50Z

Findings suggests that the same teachers who use the most PBL also tend to use the most technology.
Here is a research snapshot from our site.

How do we understand this?

Conducting projects may stimulate use of technologies (for research, production of materials, presentations, collaboration, etc.)
At the same time, technologies may facilitate use of PBL (making projects easier to find, manage, assess, etc.)

To make matters worse, some teachers or schools may just be more innovative, or otherwise inclined toward using both new technologies and PBL.
This may “explain away” the relationship somewhat, but not entirely.

What do you think? How do you use technologies to support PBL?

Jason

ISTE 2010, Denver (June 29, 2010)

SITE 2010, San Diego(April 2, 2010)

PBL best schools in KS

2011-10-09T01:55:21Z

Dear folks do you know some exmpalry schools applying PBL in the State of Kansas?
Abdulrahman Kamal

Do you think PBL works with ADHD students?

2009-06-23T14:08:58Z

Here is a question I received today.

Good afternoon Jason,
(snip) I am a researcher who assisting a foundation in their effort to establish a new charter school to serve students with ADHD. The curriculum would be taught through project-based learning and other interest-based models, specifically the Big Picture Model. We have recently been declined by the school district’s board of directors. The reasoning behind the board’s decline was that the population of students we wish to serve would not be able to sustain this type of independent learning. Therefore, I am currently searching for real, valid research that shows this type of learning is possible. I am specifically looking for reaserch that would address the following questions:

1. Are children with ADHD able to become more engaged in learning when the topic/subject is interesting for them? If so, how?
2. Can students with ADHD learn/succeed in project-based learning models?

Given your position and interests, I hope that you can point me in the right direction. Thank you in advance for your time and effort to respond to my questions.

My response was as follows:

I don’t know about research on ADHD students specifically but will try to keep an eye out for this. There is research that PBL benefits low performing students in general (because they were not successful in traditional instruction!) (snip). IIn general, it seems to makes sense you would want ADHD kids to be active, not sitting passively.

Our survey did not focus on special needs students, but in our analyses we saw no relationship between PBL use and the percent of students who qualified as special needs. PBL was actually used slightly more, not less, with continuation/transfer students too. (Spreadsheet attached).

All for now. Feel free to keep in touch. I’d be very interested to hear about the results of your research.

Research of integrated classrooms

2012-05-06T10:05:04Z

I am looking for research on interdisciplinary or integrated classrooms, for example a physics and algebra 2 course.

Research on PBL and school culture

2011-07-07T17:47:12Z

Hello,

I am looking for research on how PBL instruction impacts classroom/school culture. Has anyone come across any studies on this?

What’s in a name? PBL vs PL vs EL

2010-02-22T10:14:05Z

While doing reporting for Edutopia’s series, “Schools that Work,” I’ve encountered references to project-based learning, project learning, problem-based learning, and expeditionary learning. Is there a difference among these? If so, would someone help me understand the distinctions? Thank you.

College Success

2011-10-26T23:56:59Z

How do students from PBL high schools generally fair in a college/university setting? After 4 years of authentic learning, are they able to adapt to a traditional college classroom? I could see where transitioning from one environment to another could be frustrating to a college freshman. Are you aware of any universities implementing PBL for undergraduate degrees?

Is there any research on the subject of effectiveness of facilities, structures, buildings, etc. where PBL is implemented?

2011-04-12T16:25:04Z

I would appreciate if anyone can point me to any research on the subject of effectiveness of facilities, structures, buildings, etc. where PBL is implemented. Specifically, what are the MUST HAVES, and what are the NICE TO HAVES…

Also interested in the effectiveness of new facilities vs. retrofitted or converted from “traditional” schools…

Thanks in advance!

Is any research which supports the idea that PBL is a best practice for students with aspergers?

2010-09-22T10:11:21Z

My son is in 5th grade and he has aspergers. He functions in mainstream education with extra assistance needed for some academic areas and social skills. He has started a new school which is piloting a new curriculum which I understand is complete PBL. I would like to know if there is any research which supports the idea that this type of instruction is a best practice for a student like my son. From what I have been able to understand, PBL requires the students to communicate with one another, work cooperatively, be organized and use critical thinking skills. If you were to list the areas of deficit for my son it would be just what I listed. He needs work in all of these areas, but in order for growth to occur there must be very close monitoring. He, and most kids with aspergers, prefer structure and order to their day. He is a rule oriented kid. He does not generalize well and is very literal in his understanding.
I can see many merits for PBL. However, I also think that the more traditional approach to teaching and learning also had merit. I do not think there is a one size fit all for teaching. As a parent of a child with special needs which also include AD/HD (have already read what you know about PBL and AD/HD) I have concerns. I need to know that there is legitimate support for this being the best environment for him. Any insight is appreciated.
Thanks!