Reading Reflection #4

• There are pitfalls in project design. They include:
• Long on activity, can bring short on learning outcomes
• Technology layered over traditional practice
• Trivial thematic units
• and Overly scripted with many, many steps.
• There are really good projects when it comes to the design. They share some qualities. They are:
• loosely designed with the possibility of different learning paths
• are generative, causing students of different learning paths
• center on a driving question or were otherwise structured for inquiry
• capture student interests through complex and compelling real-life or simulated experiences
• are realistic, and therefore cross multiple disciplines
• reach beyond school to involve others
• tap rich data or primary sources
• are structured so students learn with and from each other
• have students working as inquiring experts might
• get at 21st-century skills and literacies, including communication, project management, and technology use
• get at important learning dispositions, including persistence, risk-taking, confidence, resilience, self-reflection, and cooperation
• and have students learn by doing.
• Good project ideas come from everywhere. Even a classroom irritant can be the place to find a good idea for a project. Consider looking in different directions when finding a project idea.
• There are steps in designing a project. They include:
• make a list of objectives
• decide on 21st-century skills you want to address
• identify learning dispositions you want to foster
• establish evidence of understanding
• plan the theme or challenge
• plan entree into the project experience
• write a project sketch
• and create an Asset Map
• This topic of this chapter relates to my project because it is talking about the ways to find a good idea and how to approach and execute to make it a good project. My group and I used these tactics and advice to make out project as good as it can be. We took the correct approach to design and try to make our project the best that it can be. This helps for all students ready to use PBL and can benefit for projects.