Presentation by Jason Phelps on Project-Based Learning

1. Week 2:
Project-Based Learning
EDU 5913: STEM Education for the 21st Century

2. Learning Objectives for This Week:
● Become familiar with the basic components of a project-based unit
● Learn how to design a project-based unit, why STE/AM is a natural fit, and
apply learning by beginning to design a mini-project as part of your
benchmark unit
● Synthesize critical thinking around a real-world problem

3. What IS Project-Based Learning?
In Project-Based Learning (PBL), students go through an extended process of
inquiry or design in response to an authentic question, problem, or challenge.
They draw from many disciplines when understanding and addressing a complex
problem. PBL is centered on student and teacher collaboration and application of
academic knowledge and skills.
Students are engaged in science and engineering
practices, and cross-disciplinary concepts. They
use reading and writing skills, examine
informational text, and mathematics/ data
analysis, depending on the driving question of the
project.
A PBL approach provides students with voice in
elements of the project, and choice in how they
demonstrate their learning. PBL includes the
process of revision and reflection that requires
students to learn how to communicate and
receive instructive feedback, and think about
their own cognition and understanding.

4. For Our Reflection: Video Clips
Project Based Learning Explained “What is Project Based Learning?”
Project Based Learning Approach in Early Education “What does PBL look like at
the early education level?”
Project Based Learning: Am I Doing it Right? How Do I know? “What are the
important elements I should consider when introducing my students to PBL?”

5. Content for Week 2
● Videos and readings on PBL
● Components of PBL design
● Technology - Editing Video - working towards creating videos with your
students
● Writing Project-Based Learning Prompts
● Additional Resources

6. Assignments for Week 2
● Complete the readings and view the videos
● Forum Discussion - Week 2: “How can basic ELA and Math skills be
embedded in project-based learning?” YOUR RESPONSE DUE BY
WEDNESDAY, 5/20
BY SUNDAY, 5/24 at 11:59pm
● Respond to 2 peers’ posts within the Discussion Board
● Create a video (2-3 minutes) that showcases the “dinner project” you did for
Week 1 using a video format that you are comfortable and familiar with
● PBL Project Blocking Plan/Milestone - this is the plan framework for your
unit; is very editable and subject to change as you further develop your unit!

7. Discussion - Q&A - Feedback
By Muhammad Rafizeldi (MRafizeldi) - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=29381075