What
Is Project-Based Learning?
By Michelle Swanson
Project-based
Learning grew out of a need to help students make connections between
school and life, a need to help students find relevance in academics,
a need to help students feel valued and gain deeper understanding
of academic and technical concepts. Students and teachers engaged
in project-based learning demand greater responsibility for their
own learning.
The
learning experiences are designed as complex, authentic (real-world)
projects. The contexts for many of the projects are found outside
the school walls. Projects emerge from needs in the community or
home; they arise from social issues, or perhaps physical, emotional,
or recreational needs; and from authentic industry or business activities.
Fundamentally, the learning of content knowledge and skills is given
an opportunity to develop and grow through project-based learning.
Project-based
learning is a philosophy and a practice; it is what we believe about
education and how we act on those beliefs in the classroom.
PLACE-BASED EDUCATION: CONNECTING CLASSROOMS & COMMUNITIES
By David Sobel
The fourth volume of the Nature Literacy Series, presents a comprehensive
review of place-based education. From philosophy to strategy, Sobel
traces place-based education in the U.S., celebrating teachers that
connect classroom, community, and the environment. Paperback,105
pages, ISBN 0-913098-54-X.
Site: http://www.oriononline.org/pages/ob/nls/index_nls.html
SUSTAINABLE
FOOTPRINT
The sustainable footprint project is a Netherlands-based project
aimed at making students aware of the consequences of their lifestyle
including a teachers’ program for "problem oriented learning".
Includes a series of thematic lessons and guidelines for internationalizing
projects. Extra: A footprint quiz for the younger students (12-15)
and a "design for the future" assignment.
Site:http://www.sustainablefootprint.org
EDUCATION
FOR A SUSTAINABLE & SECURE FUTURE REPORT
National Conference on Science, Policy & the Environment. Draft
recommendations developed by participants for educational reform
for the U.S. & the UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development
(2005-2015) can now be read online. Address topics such as sustainability
& security curricula for K-12 & undergraduates, community
education, & planetary health.
Site: http://www.ncseonline.org/NCSEconference/2003conference/2003Report.pdf
ENVIRONMENTAL
EDUCATION WORKS
Data, studies and case examples of how environmental education has
a measurable impact on environmental protection and improved student
learning include better results on standard tests. The EE-works
is a service of the National Environmental Education and Training
Foundation (NEETF).
Site: http://www.TheEEWorks.org
|
