Blog Post #6

     I certainly learned a lot of information from Anthony Capps about Project-Based Learning, how it is used in the classroom, and the benefits of using PBL. In the videos, Project Based Learning: Experiences with a Third Grade Teacher Part 1 and Project Based Learning: Experiences with a Third Grade Teacher Part 2, he explains that PBL is a way to get the students to learn something. Traditionally, projects are done at the end of a lesson to show what the students learned. But with PBL, the project is the means through which the students learn. Projects should have an authentic audience, be interesting to students, involve the community, and be driven by content. The key is to create a project that will motivate students seek out information that is needed to meet learning goals or standards. Students begin to understand that the work that they are doing is meaningful. Giving students the chance to have a choice in some aspects of the project is also beneficial in getting the students excited about their work. Providing the opportunity for students to revise and reflect on their work is an essential part of Project Based learning being effective.
     The videos iCurio and Discovery Education explained how these two tools are used in project Based Learning. iCurio provides a safe search for students to use. It also has storage capacity which is useful for organizing information for the students and teachers. This tool is beneficial for learning disabled students because of the feature that will read the text to them. Discovery Education retrieves information that includes videos and test which helps students remember the knowledge. It is also a way to bring experts to the classroom through videos.
     I especially liked the video The Anthony-Strange Tips for Teachers Part 1. 1.) Be a constant learner yourself. 2.) Teaching never ends. It is hard work. It is very rewarding. 3.) Be flexible. The unexpected will happen. 4.) Start with a goal. 5.) Engage 100% of your students 100% of the time in 100% of their projects. 6.) Reflect, revise, share work with an audience. These were very helpful me as a learner of PBL.  The idea of each lesson being in at least four layers was mentioned in Additional Thoughts about Lessons. The project lessons should be thought of as how it will fit in the year, a unit, a week, and a daily lesson. Anthony Capps is a great teacher for his students and those learning about Project Based Learning.