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All grades  Project 1 week

"Problem-Solving Pizzazz: Lesson Plan Challenge!"

Rachel N
Self Directed Learning
Academic Mindset
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
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Purpose

The purpose of this learning experience is to equip students with the skills to navigate real-world challenges by engaging them in problem-based learning activities that foster critical thinking and engagement. Through the creation and presentation of lesson plans, teachers will model innovative approaches, encouraging students to explore complex questions relevant to their communities. This hands-on project aims to cultivate self-directed learning, academic mindset, and critical thinking, enabling students to reflect, act, and build self-knowledge both inside and outside the classroom.

Learning goals

Students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills by designing and implementing a problem-based learning lesson plan tailored to their subject area. They will engage in self-directed learning through continuous feedback and reflection, fostering a sense of identity and belonging within their learning community. By addressing real-world problems, students will enhance their academic mindset and self-efficacy, creating meaningful connections between classroom learning and their communities.
Competencies
  • Self Directed Learning - Students use teacher and peer feedback and self-reflection to monitor and direct their own learning while building self knowledge both in and out of the classroom.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Students consider a variety of innovative approaches to address and understand complex questions that are authentic and important to their communities.

Products

Throughout this learning experience, students will collaboratively design and present a problem-based learning lesson plan tailored to their subject area, incorporating real-world problems. Each student will create a digital portfolio showcasing their lesson plan, including feedback from peers and self-reflection notes. By the end of the week, students will present their lesson plans to the class, demonstrating their understanding of critical thinking and problem-solving strategies, and receive constructive feedback to refine their approaches further.

Launch

To kick off the learning experience, students will engage in a community scavenger hunt where they identify real-world problems relevant to their local area. Working in small groups, they will document observations, take photos, and gather data to bring back to the classroom for analysis. This hands-on activity will spark curiosity and set the stage for developing problem-based learning lesson plans that address these authentic issues. Students will use their findings to brainstorm potential solutions, fostering critical thinking and collaboration from the outset.

Exhibition

Students will present their problem-based learning lesson plans in a showcase event where they will engage with peers, teachers, and community members. Each student will display their lesson plan, highlighting the real-world problem addressed, the innovative approaches taken, and the learning outcomes achieved. Attendees will have the opportunity to provide feedback, ask questions, and discuss the impact and relevance of the projects. This exhibition will foster a sense of accomplishment and community connection, as students share their critical thinking and problem-solving processes.