Project-Based Learning
(PBL)
An Overview of the Graduation Project
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What is project-based learning?
An instructional strategy which:
• allows students to engage in real world research about a topic of interest to them
• requires independent study
• fosters 21st century skills such as critical thinking, analysis, and synthesis
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Project-based learning (PBL):
• Completed over time
• Real world focused
• Rigorous & relevant
• Builds on the student’s strength
• Incorporates multiple components
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More schools are now actually requiring a graduation project.
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Is project-based learning occurring in YOUR classes?
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What is the graduation project?
• Project-based learning
• Completed over time
• Multiple components
• Due during senior year
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What are the components of the graduation project?
Research Paper
Portfolio
Product
Presentation
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Research Paper
Demonstrates proficiency in conducting research and in writing.
Thesis is proven or disproven by the student based on research.
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Portfolio
Reflects the project from the beginning and documents process and progress
Suggested documents to include may be:– Approval forms– Logs– Consent forms– Journals
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Product
•Relates to the student’s research
•Reflects how the newly acquired
knowledge can be applied
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Product Possibilities
• Models• Displays• Charts• Games• Performances• Booklets
• Athletic demonstrations
• Culinary creations
• Logged time on apprenticeships, internships & service learning
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Presentation
Oral presentation to a panel of judges
-analysis of the project includes successes, failures, and a reflection of self-growth
Impromptu questioning from the judges
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What timeline is common for graduation projects?
9th grade – general information, improve organizational skills
10th grade – topic selection, product plan, improve research skills, begin research
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What timeline is common for graduation projects? (cont.)
11th grade – complete research, begin research paper, work on product and portfolio
12th grade – complete paper, product, portfolio; deliver oral presentation
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Getting started on this type of project…
In general, the steps in planning for PBL are:
1. Determine project goals
2. Identify tasks, activities, and resources
3. List tasks in sequential order
4. Develop timeline
5. Assign responsibilities (crucial when working in team/group)
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Graduation projects can be an extension of any discipline or
specific interest of the student.
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What are the responsibilities of the school?
Schools must:
• create an environment that is supportive
• communicate effectively with students and parents, and
• encourage participation from ALL faculty.
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What are the responsibilities of the school faculty?
- To be supportive and participate in one of the following manners:
Coordinator – school liaison
Steering Committee – leadership team
Advisory Board – troubleshooters
Coach, Advisor – student guide
Community Coordinator – business volunteer recruiter
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What are the responsibilities of members of the business
community?- To serve as mentors and offer resources
A community mentor should:• Be an expert in student’s topic• Provide feedback to student• Enhance student success
The business community may also:• Serve as judges or review panel participants• Evaluate portfolios and presentations
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What are the responsibilities of the students?
• Follow procedures
• Seek/obtain approvals
• Meet timelines
• Demonstrate competency/proficiency
• Adhere to ethical standards
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Do the parents have specific responsibilities?
• Participate in school awareness sessions
• Access information via available resources
• Support child(ren)
• Volunteer
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What skills will the student need to use?
• Critical thinking
• Analysis
• Computer skills
• Information retrieval
• Problem solving
• Self-directed learning
• Synthesize information
• Teamwork
• Creativity
• Communication
• Collaboration
• Reflection
• Active listening
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What should be considered when choosing a topic?
1. Academic standards and project guidelines
2. Potential for self-growth (learning stretch)
3. Essential question
4. Career interest
5. Cost
6. Broad enough to be researched, narrow enough for depth
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What are some examples of topics ?
• Using robotics to create virtual worlds
• Investigating a local business’s data network plan
• Exploring architecture of various computer systems
• Effect of internet use on the music industry
• Encouraging the use of community recycling
• Documenting the life of a WWII veteran
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How does the product relate to the topic chosen?
Topic Effect of internet use on the music industry
Product idea
Produce a documentary from a series of interviews of professionals in the recording industry
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How does the product relate to the topic chosen? (cont.)
Topic Encouraging the use of community recycling
Product idea
Develop and implement a community awareness campaign for a specific community
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How does the product relate to the topic chosen? (cont.)
Topic Documenting the military experiences of a WWII veteran
Product idea
Create a short story about life as a WWII soldier
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What are the benefits of having students complete a graduation project?
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Student Benefits
• Promotes practice of skills necessary to be successful in workforce and in life
• Engages student in learning
• Facilitates a learning stretch
• Provides opportunities to make real world connections
• Builds confidence and self-esteem
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Educator Benefits
• Helps teachers make connections with business people in work environments
• Validates required knowledge and skills necessary in the 21st century
• Connects academics to real world application
• Promotes career awareness
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Business/Community Benefits
• Promotes career awareness
• Influences potential employees
• Gives employees opportunities for leadership outside of day-to-day office activities
• Demonstrates value of community service by upper management
• Provides opportunities for employee recognition
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The graduation project is the vehicle!
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Web Resources• www.ncpublicschools.org/graduationproject/
• www.watauga.k12.nc.us/graduation_project
• http://pblmm.k12.ca.us/PBLGuide
• www.gsn.org/web/pbl
• www.awedtabor.org/Graduation%20Project.htm
• www.warwick.k12.pa.us/orgmodule.php?deptid=0&schoolid=0006&mid=21
• www.publicschoolreview.com/articles/50
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