by Here is my latest article to be published in a forthcoming edition of The Creative Educator magazine.
Veteran educator Gary Stager, Ph.D. is the author of Twenty Things to Do with a Computer – Forward 50, co-author of Invent To Learn — Making, Tinkering, and Engineering in the Classroom, publisher at Constructing Modern Knowledge Press, and the founder of the Constructing Modern Knowledge summer institute. He led professional development in the world’s first 1:1 laptop schools thirty years ago and designed one of the oldest online graduate school programs. Gary is also the curator of The Seymour Papert archives at DailyPapert.com. Learn more about Gary here.
Gary, I really liked the article and had two thoughts—
1. Every time I read an article about project based learning it makes me sad. Many regular classrooms across the country have strayed so far from that to scripted reading and math programs. Yuk for kids.
2. Even though I don't know if we meet all of your criteria for a perfect project, I thought you might like to hear about some of our projects– we teach in a special ed pullout program for gifted kids K-6.
Titanic in the Classroom 200–we used the original passenger/crew database to answer some essential questions about the Titanic's sinking
http://connections.smsd.org/titanic
CSI: Cemetery Scene Investigation 2007 We researched burial customs,and used local cemeteries to learn about our county's history http://connections.smsd.org/csi
And last but not least… Guardians of Freedom 2001 After studying WWII for 6 months, literally one full day a week, 5th and 6th graders interviewed 54 WWII vets. We put their stories online, published a book, held a reception for over 400 people–veterans, families, students, parents, administrators, teachers. I said seven years ago and I beleieve it today—those kids finished the project as historians. I still see those kids and they always say "remember when the veterans came?" I get emails every month from strangers wanting to contact one of "our vets" because they served with them or are sure they knew their dad, grand dad or uncle. It was a life changing experience for all of us who were involved and it will be the best work I'll ever do as a teacher. http://connections.smsd.org/veterans
Enjoy looking around if you have time. N
To see all of our major goings-on click here>>>>
http://anotsodifferentplace.blogspot.com/2007/07/where-is-all-your-stuff.html
Gary,
I’ve often wondered how one could concisely explain project-based learning to a traditional teacher.
Your great article may be the answer!
Thanks,
Kent