Project based learning is an effective way to reinforce foundational GIS skills. It involves crafting open-ended questions, planning assessments, mapping out the project and knowledge/skills needed. Managing the process allows students to learn from failures and discoveries. When implemented successfully, project based learning can help rebuild the entire GIS education pyramid by strengthening students' basic abilities.

1. Reinforcing the Base of the
GIS Education Pyramid
Michael N. DeMers
NCGE National Conference
Savannah, Georgia, OCT. 2, 2010

7. PROJECT BASED LEARNING
DEFINED

11. PLAN FOR RESULTS

12. CRAFT YOUR QUESTION

13. Time

14. Shareability

15. Resources

16. Relevance

17. Intensity

18. Connection

19. Complexity

20. PLAN THE ASSESSMENT

21. MAP THE PROJECT

22. MAP THE PROJECT (II)
Knowledge
and Skills
Already
Known
Taught
During
Taught in
Project
PROJECT TOOLS
Needed Preparation
 Know/need to know
1
lists
2
3  Daily goal sheets
4
 Journal
5
6  Briefs
7
 Task Lists
…
 Problem Logs

23. MANAGE THE PROCESS

24. WHAT IF?

25. Failure Leads to Discovery

28. Rebuilds the Entire Pyramid

29. Questions?
Suggestions?