Reading Reflection #1

1. Discussion on what you need to keep in mind as you start the journey through Project-Based Learning. 
 As a teacher initially starting Project-Based Learning you need to keep in mind your students, yourself and the school district. Keeping open communication with each will directly benefit you as you start the journey into PBL. Other factors such as: students being up to the challenge of the new curriculum, projects being worth all of the effort, the fact that students live and learn through real world experiences and that new contexts encourage the project approach also need to be kept in mind. In today's world children are introduced to technology at an early age and are able to use tools such as computers, Ipads and the internet to aid in the learning process. This type of interactive learning will not be new to students and often times they will be able to teach you a few things as you embark on the journey together.

2. Discussion on the overall benefits of the PBL approach.
Implementing Project-Based Learning into your classroom has several benefits. These benefits aren't only for the students in your classroom, but for you, the teacher as well. Some of the benefits that I noted while reading are: learners pursuing their own questions to create their own meaning, learning to work together through authentic learning, students taking ownership of their work and knowledge, students getting the chance to engage in real-world activities, with the use of technology learners are taken to places they never thought they would go, it prepares students for the ever changing world that we live in and it gives teachers the chance to create memorable learning for themselves as well. I believe that these benefits definitely outweigh the issues that I came across while reading the first chapter in our text. The benefits of implementing Project-Based Learning into the classroom will stay with students for a lifetime and enhance both the learning and teaching in your classroom.

3. Discussion on the benefits to students who participate in PBL. 
As I was reading I came across several benefits that students will gain from participating in Project-Based Learning. These are skills that the students will be taught through this type of learning and will aid them for their success in the future. Through working together in groups students develop communication skills to break down cultural barriers and misunderstanding. They learn to become flexible with their work hours and reliable individuals because of working with others. Through their work with diverse individuals and their developed inquiry skills students that participate in PBL are better able to achieve success in changing the world through communication and the understanding of others.

4. Discussion on what issues need to be considered in PBL approach. 
Though Project-Based Learning has several benefits just like anything it also has its' downfalls. Some of the main points are getting the support from the school administration and other faculty members that may not completely understand the benefits or how to implement Project-Based Learning. It is also important to make sure that your students' parents fully understand the benefits of PBL as well. Time and effort is another component that should be considered in the PBL approach. Preparing activities and projects can be time consuming and involves a lot of effort on the part of the teacher. If you plan to implement PBL in your classroom you will need to make sure that you are up to the challenge of preparing these tasks for your students. Everyday teacher tasks such as: classroom management, formative and summative assessments, and learning goals also need to be taken into account. These tasks look different in a traditional classroom versus a classroom that implements Project-Based Learning. Many of the issues are on the teacher's side and if you feel that you can accommodate the changes than PBL is an approach that should be tried.

5. Discussion on New Technology High as an example of New Technology Model.
While reading chapter one I was surprised to read about this type of school simply because I had never heard of a learning institution such as this. I really liked that the grade sizes were rather small and had no more than 100 students, this reminded me of my small town high school. It gives the students a chance to connect on a personal level and develop successful relationships with one another. The students are expected to use technology as a tool to aid in their learning, but it is not the main focus of the real-world learning projects. Another aspect of this school system that I really enjoyed was that the students create digital portfolios to reflect on their learning throughout the years. I thought that this was very appropriate and will be useful for these students in the future endeavors. Teachers also work together to ensure the success of their students and to develop online libraries to share ideas with other teachers who also implement Project-Based Learning in their classrooms. Overall I truly believe that this type of school would benefit both teachers and students and will teach them a great deal about technology, people and skills that they will need to become successful learners in our ever changing world.