2. PBL for Grade 11-12 Social Studies
• Project-Based
Learning (PBL) is a
form of teaching in
which students are
given ownership
over their learning.
• Students are given
problem solving
skills and real life
skills in applying
their knowledge to
key content being
covered in the
project.
The five key elements of PBL (EduTopia, “5
Keys…, 1).
3. The Five Key Elements
• For this specific group of students, the following
key elements apply:
• Real-world connections (young adults getting ready to
move into the ‘real world’, real problem to solve,
authenticity!)
• Core to learning (academic rigor)
• Structured Collaboration (working together effectively
and efficiently to complete their scaffolded project)
• Student Driven (teacher=facilitator, students=decision
makers)
• Multifaceted Assessment (assessment throughout the
project, personal assessment, peer assessment)
4. PBL Project
• Class/Grade Level:
• IB Theory of Knowledge, Grade 12
• Unit:
• The Area of Knowing of Art
• Standard:
• Demonstrate significant detail in analyzing the
extent to which a piece of art has affected on our
personal and shared knowledge.
• SWBAT:
• Recognize essential elements of their piece of art
(message, theme, symbols and context).
• Compare and contrast the purpose of the piece of
art with the public’s reception.
5. Jigsaw Class Project
• 1) Groups of 3!
• A. Abdulrahman (leader), Zaieda and Youseff
• B. Kooheji (leader), Adnan and Shalfan
• C. Tweegry (leader), Tifoni and Faisal
• 2) Division of tasks:
• Each student is responsible to pick one type of art (paintings, sculptures, music, poetry,
dance or cinematography).
• Students expected to agree upon one piece of art from their category to analyze in detail
• Students given links to museum databases and art galleries.
• Record notes online: Mind Meister or Xmind.
• Each student must decide amongst themselves who will do each of the six elements to
analyze [message, theme, symbols, context, compare and contrast (with the public’s
opinion)].
• Team leader(s) must keep time and co-ordinate with their group throughout the entire
process!
• 3) Expert groups:
• One partner from each group rotates to the other group.
• There will be an exchange between the solo individuals and the rest of the other team
and vice versa. Topics of discussion will include: how did you see the piece at first? What
was your impression after reading about it’s context? Which was the most impactful
element of this piece? How did the public see it? Students record notes in their
iPads/devices to share with the group.
• Students will return to their groups and use the new knowledge to reflect and rehearse
for their presentation. Students must use Prezi or VoiceThread here.
6. Project Summary
• This project was decided upon for the PBL as it involves
many of the key elements when studying the ways of
knowing in TOK.
• By giving students independence to go where they’d like
with the project, they are automatically gaining a sense
of ownership and interest. They will be more engaged,
self-directed learners!
• By exchanging information amongst their group and then
sharing with another group, students are also learning in
new ways.
• The task is related to problem solving and critical
thinking, yet it also relies on creativity.
• Collaboration is key here in all facets.
• Ideally, students would find this project interesting and
engaging. As such, their performance on the
assessments for the unit should (ideally) improve.
7. References
• 5 Keys to Rigorous Project-Based Learning. (2014,
June 26). Retrieved June 08, 2017, from
https://www.edutopia.org/video/5-keys-rigorous-
project-based-learning
• ACSD. (2010). Seven Essentials for Project-Based
Learning. Retrieved June 08, 2017, from
http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational_lea
dership/sept10/vol68/num01/Seven_Essentials_for
_Project-Based_Learning.aspx
• Johnson, S. (2010, September 17). Where Good
Ideas Come From. Retrieved June 01, 2017, from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NugRZGDbPFU
&feature=youtu.be