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Professional Grade  Project 8 weeks

Project Premiere: Lights, Camera, PBL Action!

JODI S
Self Directed Learning
Effective Communication
Collaboration
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Content Expertise
+ 1 more
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Purpose

Educators will collaborate to redesign their teaching practices by integrating authentic project-based learning experiences over 8 weeks. They will engage with community partners, utilize ongoing reflection, and apply continuous feedback for innovation and enhancement. Teachers will craft, present, and celebrate their unique projects, fostering improved student engagement and meaningful learning. The process will result in robust learning environments emphasizing real-world applications. The course concludes with an exhibition and a documentary film, highlighting their transformative journey and celebrating educational successes.

Learning goals

This professional learning experience aims to empower teachers to design and implement effective project-based learning (PBL) models centered around self-directed learning, communication, and collaboration. Teachers will enhance their critical thinking skills, apply content expertise in meaningful contexts, and cultivate an academic mindset to transform learning environments. Engagement with community partners, structured reflection opportunities, and peer feedback are integral components, leading to project outcomes showcased in a celebratory event.

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.
  • Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.
  • Collaboration - Students co-design projects with peers, exercise shared-decision making, strengthen relational agency, resolve conflict, and assume leadership roles.
  • 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.
  • Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.
  • Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.

Products

Educators will co-design and develop a comprehensive project-based learning module comprising unit overviews, lesson plans, and dynamic project cards. These educational materials will be featured in a culminating exhibition alongside videos and pamphlets documenting the project journey. The showcase will include a documentary film premiere in a red carpet setting, allowing participants and community members to celebrate the impact of these projects with lively discussions and refreshments. Participants will create presentations reflecting on community impact and potential improvements, highlighting educator growth and student achievements through PBL.

Launch

Kick off the experience with an engaging 'Hands-On Learning Showcase,' where educators rotate through immersive stations spotlighting PBL aligned with NYS standards. Introduce project cards as tangible examples to inspire and guide them. Transition into an interactive forum where teachers and district leaders collaboratively outline projects. Conclude the launch with a celebration event, featuring a documentary premiere that promotes community participation and showcases the collaborative journey.

Exhibition

During the community showcase, teachers unveil their project-based learning initiatives through diverse formats, including multimedia presentations and interactive galleries. Attendees will engage with creative lesson plans, unit overviews, and informative videos, capturing the progression and impact of the PBL process. This celebratory event includes engaging discussions with district leaders, families, and students to reflect on outcomes and explore ongoing PBL applications, fostering a shared vision for educational advancement.