Reinventing PBL - Book Discussion - Roles and Schedule

[Sarah McPherson]

Reinventing Project –Based Learning Discussion Schedule

This study group is an opportunity for educators from various schools, disciplines, regions of the world, and perspectives on teaching and learning to discussion a recent ISTE publication Reinventing Project-Based Learning Your Field Guide to Real-World Projects in the Digital Age by Boss and Krauss (2007). The foreword suggests that examples illustrate links between theory and practice with an emphasis on the knowledge and skills students need to be successful in the 21st century digital world. Concepts of project-based learning (PBL) are presented in the context of the revised NETS for students with emphasis on creativity, innovation, research and information fluency, communication and collaboration skills. The book is organized into 5 sections with a total of 11 chapters, and 3 appendices. Each appendix offers important framework for consideration as we read, review, and discuss each chapter.

To provide prompts for discussion I’ve suggested roles for participants to consider in their comments. Responses addressing the purpose of each role as we progress through the book will hopefully stimulate a rich discussion.


Participant Roles:
Facilitator – facilitates discussion with leading questions, issues or concerns raised in the chapter. Refer to questions in Appendix C.
Pragmatist– suggests real-world examples of classroom applications.
Researcher – provides research-based strategies for applications of project-based learning.
Explorer – identifies resources to support the ideas presented.
Visionary – expands ideas to include global applications.
Collaborator – proposes strategies for collaboration to implement project-based learning.
Assessor – provides assessment strategies linked to NCLB, ISTE NETs and other standards set relevant to learning outcomes addressed in PBL.
Word Wizard – provides definitions or interpretations of key terms.

Please choose your role for the discussion. You may choose more than one and you may change from week to week. If this format gets too unruly with our large group we may divide into smaller groups. Please give your input so that we all feel that we have ample opportunity to be involved at our own level and participation is worthwhile.

Reinventing PBL: Proposed Discussion Schedule

Feb 3 – Feb 9 Chapter 1 Mapping the Journey – Seeing the Big Picture

Feb 10 – Feb 16 Chapter 2 Creating a Professional Learning Community

Feb 17 – Feb 23 Chapter 3 Imagine the Possibilities

Feb 24 – Mar 1 Chapter 4 Strategies for Discovery

Mar 2 – Mar 8 Chapter 5 Project Management Strategies for Teachers and Learners

Mar 9 – Mar 15 Chapter 6 Project Launch – Implementation Strategies

Mar 16 – Mar 22 Chapter 7 A Guiding Hand – Keeping a Project Moving

Mar 23 – Mar 29 Chapter 8 Building Connections and Branching Out

Mar 30 – Apr 5 Chapter 9 Making Assessment Meaningful

Apr 5 – Apr 12 Chapter 10 Celebrating and Reflecting

Apr 12 – Apr 19 Chapter 11 Bringing It Home

Schedule for Synchronous Discussions in Second Life will be posted at a later date.

[Sarah McPherson]

np. time flies when you are having fun. Glad to hear from you.

[Diana Friedline]

Pragmatist! I need to keep my feet planted firmly on the ground right now. I've been over-extended. I have apparently missed four weeks of activity here. Please give me a day or so to catch up. Thanks. Diana