Project-based learning involves presenting learners with problems to solve or products to develop. It places learners in authentic language use situations and teaches skills like planning, organizing, and teamwork. Projects can be adapted for different proficiency levels and allow students to use their individual strengths. An example is an album project where students in bands must choose an album cover, band name, songs, and roles for band members. They then write a bio for their band.

1. Project-based learning “ Project-based learning is a bridge between using English in class and using English in real-life situations” (Moss, 1998) Tara E. Tarpey [email_address]

2. What is project-based learning? Project-based learning is an instructional approach that contextualizes learning by presenting learners with problems to solve or products to develop. Steps of project-based learning: Select a topic Decide on the time frame Conduct pre-project activities Lead students through steps of the project Have students share their final project

3. Why project-based learning? Learners are placed in situations that require authentic language use Working in pairs or teams teaches students how to plan, organize, negotiate, make a point, and reach consensus Projects can be adaptable to all skills levels: (a) Projects can be modified for level of proficiency, and (b) Students’ individual strengths can benefit their team

4. Agenda Album Projects Research Presentations Discussion Questions

5. What does it mean to have something in common?

7. Creating an Album Now that you are a band, you need to choose: One of the photos to be the cover of your album A name for your band A title for your album The role of each person in the band (e.g. singer, drummer, guitarist, clarinetist, pianist… )

8. What is a bio? Create a bio for your band that answers these questions: Where is the band from? How did the band get started? What kind of music does the band play? What does the band’s name mean? Decide on the names of three songs

9. Expansion & Adaptation How could this activity be expanded? Each member of the band must write a separate bio The band should think of the names of ten songs and write lyrics for at least one of them How could this activity be modified? They could instead write about a band they know Vocabulary could be provided

10. Internet addiction?

11. Research Presentations As a group, think of one poll question with five choices on the topic of internet addiction Ask your question to everyone in class. When you answer an answer, write down their answer and their gender Analyze your results. What are the general trends in this classroom? Is there a difference between men and women?

12. TOPIC: ADDICTION

13. Discussion Why project-based learning? What types of projects could you develop based on these ideas?