Professional Grade  Lesson 45 minutes

Project Adventure: Mastering Big Picture Learning!

Laurel C
Updated
Effective Communication
Content Expertise
Self Directed Learning
1-pager

Purpose

This learning experience serves to immerse professionals in the Big Picture model by guiding them to design passion-driven, project-based learning initiatives. Participants will explore and leverage their interests to engage with real-world issues, applying the six learning competencies. This process not only enhances their pedagogical efficacy but also fosters a profound understanding of shaping structured learning experiences relevant to students’ lives.

Learning goals

Participants will gain hands-on experience in transforming individual passions into structured learning experiences through project-based approaches. They will develop and apply skills in effective communication, self-directed learning, and content expertise by collaborating, presenting, and reflecting on their own project journey. Additionally, participants will learn strategies to craft impactful projects addressing real-world issues, utilizing the six learning competencies central to the Big Picture model.

Competencies
  • Effective Communication - Students practice listening to understand, communicating with empathy, and share their learning through exhibiting, presenting and reflecting on their work.
  • Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.
  • 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.

Products

Participants will create a personalized digital portfolio documenting their journey through the project, showcasing reflections, and demonstrating mastery of the six competencies. Throughout the session, they will develop multimedia presentations that integrate video, slides, and images to highlight connections between their projects and real-world issues. These presentations will be featured in a gallery-style "Passion Project Showcase," where interactive elements will engage attendees, providing a tangible demonstration of each project’s impact and relevance. Additionally, a structured peer assessment framework will lead to the creation of evaluative reports that offer feedback on how effectively each project transforms individual passions into learning experiences.

Launch

Facilitate a 'Mindset Mixer' where participants collaborate in small groups to brainstorm project ideas aligning with their professional interests, using creative techniques like role-storming or visual brainstorming. Host an 'Inspiration Lab' where participants deliver rapid-fire presentations about their passions, encouraging dynamic exchanges for potential project themes. Encourage collaborative exploration through a 'Reality Challenge' where participants identify local real-world issues and outline projects incorporating the six competencies to address the selected problem effectively.

Exhibition

Organize an interactive 'Passion Project Showcase' where participants present their projects in a gallery-style setting. Each project station should feature engaging, hands-on elements or demonstrations that invite colleagues to explore and interact. Facilitate a 'Peer Assessment Workshop' during the exhibition, enabling groups to rotate and collaboratively evaluate projects using structured criteria related to the teaching competencies and real-world impact, ensuring constructive feedback and dialogue.