What PBL Isn't

Sometimes, it is easiest to understand something new by understanding what it isn't, so here are some very general rules of thumb to consider as you work with students to develop project-based units:

If the main assessment for a skill is only a test, it likely isn't project-based.

If the main audience for a project is the teacher and classmates, it might not be project-based.

If the assessment or project involves only one way of knowing (subject area), it doesn't sound project-based.

If the project is completed by individuals in isolation, it may not be project-based.

If there is no connection to the real-world that the child experiences, it usually is not project-based.

Does that mean that skills are not ever taught in isolation?  Almost.  It means that any skill building is a mini-lesson leading to something greater that has a real-world focus and audience. An example:  A teacher mentioned to me that he was thinking about having kids map out the actual dimensions of early-American homes, to see how big (small) they were.  Great idea!  So far, it is just an activity that needs to be pushed further to become project-based.  Using that experience, the students could interview architects about modern home needs, could map out the dimensions of the colonial home in their own home to see how many rooms it would take, they could take the experience of less-is-more and inventory their closets, to see what wants/needs are represented and compare that to the wants/needs of colonial times.  Last, they could do a photo-documentary of their findings and invite the home builders association in to view their own drawings of adequate modern home needs.

Every one of these ideas includes many, many other skills, which likely will need to be taught up front.  While it may seem like this would take a lot of time, it will, but the relevance and deep, meaningful learning that will result is critical.  PBL is not very linear, it is an organic approach that requires good planning, flexibility, and responsiveness to children's' interests and experiences. 

TEDx Grand Rapids: Intelligent Optimism

TEDx Grand Rapids, May 2011, was not only an opportunity to become more informed, it was also an unprecedented opportunity to become more inspired. 

My career life has had moments when inspiration was the norm.  When I was a teacher, inspiration was a wonderfully common part of my experience.  Colleagues and students alike inspired me to connect the world outside with the world.  Everything read, every experience, every conversation found its way into the classroom.  I loved the threads that connected ideas over time and place.

Since then, I have taught, developed curriculum, and become a school administrator.  Many, many days, I miss the connectedness of life in a classroom. My students. Our classroom. Shared successes. New connections. Challenges.  Satisfaction. Life as a school administrator isn't as connected.  Ideas can be disjointed.  Threads of inspiration can give way to the frayed fabric of educational challenges.  Best intentions can unravel.

Then, there was TEDx GR.  Once again, I had that connectedness that I knew before. Each presentation led to the same conclusion.  Every conversation cemented the fundamentals that I experienced and learned early in my career: Intelligent optimism is what changes the dark corners of the world. Change agents live, move, and have their being knowing that one person can catalyze solutions. Skeptical?  Draw your own conclusions.  My tweets from the day are posted below.  What do you hear in them? 

Takeaway from TEDx GR: Intelligent optimism will change the world one problem at a time.

Just when you think TEDx GR couldn't get better.... twitpic.com/4wsn62

Final TEDx takes stage: Garrett Borns plays ukulele and sings while images of worldwide wonder roll on screen. Great way to end great day.

Every moment we have that is angry, frustrated, upset robs self of joy, happiness, satisfaction according to Michael Strong, TEDx GR.

What is flow state in which engagement is total? Michael Strong at TEDx GR says it is solving problems in meaningful ways for positive end.

Life shaped by wonder different: empathy, curiosity, openness to experience, reverence for life. Shape others through positive emotions.

Wonder is part of innovation says Robert Fuller TEDx GR. Religions everywhere hold us in a state of wonder as we peek into infinity.

Mobile on TEDx GR Civic Theater stage inspires too. What do educators need to put in place to balance the whole in pleasing way?

TEDx speaker Amy Davidsen speaks about a clean revolution by starting with story. Good technique to capture interest and connect audience.

Last break of the day at Activesite at TEDx Grand Rapids. Inspiring day! twitpic.com/4wqtm3

S. Boukadoum at TEDx on innovated capitalism with delayed profit loop. Reminds that much of success we enjoy is through no fault of our own.

TEDx GR's Carol Coletta says that no matter where we live cities matter to our success. GR a model city in many ways.

Cyborg musicality: innovative sounds from Patrick Flanagan at TEDx Grand Rapids.

Jeff Kimpton of Interlochen next up on TEDx stage at Civic Theater in Grand Rapids. Jazz IS innovation.

True innovation has happened when society changes expectations and norms. Angela Nahikian at TEDx Grand Rapids.

TEDx GR lunch break crowd at GRCC. twitpic.com/4wp8jm

Miller-Moro innovates justice. Men and women are like 2 bird wings. Both must be strong, connected, of one purpose, and unique. TEDx GR.

Innovation happens at the intersection of easy and impossible--Fred Keller of Cascade Engineering via TEDx Grand Rapids.

Curation. Steven Rosenbaum at TEDx says that avalanche of information needs new approach. Thoughtful filters, listening, new clarity tools.

Imitate, emulate, innovate. Three young Interlochen musicians explain at TEDx GR how brain lets go of fear to move to new understanding.

More patents held by Americans than any other country. Creativity is alive and well. Arts in schools essential for growing innovators.

Innovation isn't taught but conditions to innovate created. What have leaders you know done, shown, created to make innovative atmosphere?

Break time at TEDx is time to meet and collaborate with local innovators. Interesting, vibrant conversations happening. twitpic.com/4wnsk2

SEL as important as STEM says Mickey McManus TEDx GR: Social Emotional Learning. Design literacy as systematic approach to solving problems.

Innovating education says Mickey McManus needs new literacy of bridging gap between advanced technology and people.MAYA organization mantra.

Imagination kit challenge: www.imaginationkit.com. Enter to be part of global community of innovators.

Innovating innovation guru Gabor Burt at TEDx GR:meaningful innovation is part defying conventional thinking. Need for car not faster horse.

Ultra rapid renewables being developed to replace plastics says Sam Harrington at TEDx GR. Our grandparents thrived without any.

Sheryl Connelly Ford Motor Futurist says at TEDx GR that uncertainty can compel not control. History never repeats self precisely.

TEDx stage in Grand Rapids ready for innovators. twitpic.com/4wm19d

TEDx getting underway at Civic Theater in Grand Rapids. twitpic.com/4wlyu5