Assignment

=Assignment=

**Objective:**
Apply principles of Problem-based Learning (PBL) to align curricular standards, driving questions, and on-going assessment of learning in the development of a model PBL learning experience for students.

**Background:**
Problem-based learning is the over-arching theme of the Maryland STEM e-Portfolio Project. By increasing the authenticity of learning through problem-based approaches, instruction in STEM related learning experiences is enhanced. In order to achieve success, however, we must be clear about what constitutes authentic and effective problem-based learning and how best to implement these principles in our classrooms. We grew familiar with a number of quality resources during the Summer Academy thanks to Sally Regnier. During this first module, we will spend some time reviewing a few of these resources and applying PBL concepts to our LEA's STEM initiatives to define, at least preliminarily, the learning outcomes, driving questions, and assessments we will use with our students. Throughout the four week course, you will continue to refine your plan with both GIS and Web 2.0 concepts. By the end of the Course, you will be well on the road in planning your model unit.

__**Part I (due by midnight Sunday):**__
Part I of this module includes review of the following resources and at least one post to your region's discussion forum.


 * Required Reading:**

As a first step, examine the four resources below. The first describes the steps to plan an effective PBL experience. The second provides criteria for developing an exemplar PBL. The third offers numerous examples of middle grade projects. The last two resources focus on assessment of student learning. There are additional readings available on the resources page if you would like supplemental information. Remember, too, that Sally provided us a wide array of resources at []

a. Go to @http://pbl-online.org/pathway2.html which is produced by the Buck Institute for Education, the George Lucas Foundation, Boise State University and other contributors. The graphic on this page provides guidance on the steps to plan PBL.  b. . In Module 4, Instructional coaches will use this rubric to help you further develop your PBL. c. @http://pals.sri.com/tasks/tasks5-8.html is a collection of numerous performance projects developed for use in middle grade science classrooms. Peruse the list to see if there is something that might fit with your curriculum. Examination of a couple of these projects may also shed light on the planning process.

d. The following article from Edutopia describes the effective use of formative assessments in the classroom. @http://www.edutopia.org/formative-assessments-checking-for-understanding-strategies

e. Take a look at the following video, "Introduction to Comprehensive Assessment" from Edutopia. When you mouse over the video, you will see the start button. You may enlarge the picture with the controls at the bottom of the picture.

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 * Discussion Forum Assignment**:

Special Note: **This initial response can be posted individually or as a collaborative group if you are working with others to create your model unit. If you are posting collaboratively, please ensure everyone on the team plays an active role in composing the post. Also, ensure all contributors' names appear in the subject line of the post as described below.**

Post a response to your region's discussion forum that addresses the following:
 * //Describe the context of your teaching situation for the unit. (grade level/subject; collaborative or independent; one group of students or many; anticipated roles of each Learning Team member if collaborative)//
 * //Identify the curriculum standards to which you intend to focus the learning and instruction. If working collaboratively, these standards should include each of the content areas your group represents (ie 7th grade math, 7th grade science, and 7th grade technology.) Please do not simply identify your learning outcomes with objective and indicator numbers--enumerate the standards fully for ease of the reader.//
 * //Identify the driving question for the unit.//
 * //Describe 3 formative assessment techniques that you intend to use throughout the unit.//
 * // Describe the top 2-3 benefits you see to using a PBL model with your students. //
 * // Describe the top 2-3 challenges you anticipate to using a PBL model with your students. //

Please remember that you are not necessarily committing to using any of these lesson elements in this exact form--they are subject to change as you continue the planning process in collaboration your LEA's STEM leadership, your Supervisor, your Principal, your Learning Team, and your Instructional Coach. Throughout the planning process, keep in mind that the driving question, learning outcomes, and assessments are pivotal to the success of a PBL experience. We must continually focus on ensuring //clarity// and //alignment// throughout the planning process.

You can access your discussion forum from the sidebar or by clicking on your region below:


 * __[|Region_1] __
 * __[|Region 2] __
 * __[|Region 3] __
 * __[|Region 4] __
 * __[|Region 5] __

Please use the following format for the subject line of this initial post: **Names_grade levels** (ie. Airing_Castle_Dunn_middleschool.)

__**Part II (due by midnight Wednesday):**__
 * Reply Assignment:**

In the second half of the week, after you (or your collaborative team) have posted to the above prompt and read through a number of other participants' posts, //each// of you will independently post a substantive reply to //at least// one other person's or group's initial post.

In your response, comment on the clarity and alignment of the stated outcomes, driving question, and assessment plans. You should use your own experiences as well as the information presented in the literature in formulating your responses. Offer suggestions and pose questions as you see fit. The benefits of professional collaboration are many and will enhance the strength of our work.

Revisit the discussion forum throughout the remainder of the week to view others' posts and to participate in the discussion as you wish and are able.