Reading Reflection #4

1. What are the pitfalls in Project Design?

There are a few things that we must keep in mind when designing a project and that is avoiding having these be anywhere in your project or even lesson.  Some of the pitfalls include having too much energy be put into the activity or lesson, but having the learning outcomes be very low. If is always disappointing when we put so much time and energy into something and then it doesn't go as well as we had planned. This is a pitfall as well with projects just going to deep into the information and having the students not be able to do what was asked of them. It could also tie into being overly scripted and having to many steps, this actually then takes away from the children’s lesson or project. Also having technology layered over traditional practice is another pitfall. This is when we have student’s research information and have them spew it back via slideshows. Teachers are also at fault for this, but it’s such an easy way to display information and also teach it. We have to make sure that there is more learning going on instead of children copying and pasting information and then reading it to prove that they know it or have learned it.

2. What are features of good projects?

Having loosely designed projects is great because you then create the possibility to explore or have the children explore different learning paths. Good projects allow students to construct meaning from the materials they are given, they also tap into rich data and go beyond school to involve others including members of their own community. Features of good projects include having everything be realistic, and they also contain a driving question or having a real and in-depth way for students to inquire. Good projects create a learning environment where the students can learn with and from each other, and also contain hands on learning. I think that any project can be a good project just as long as it is in the students favor and it has to include some of these features. Good projects include children learning skills and utilizing skills that would make students take more risks, build confidence, work on cooperation, communication and team/ group work. Also being able to reflect at the end of a project is a great tool for the students to learn from others and also see things from different viewpoints.

3. Where do project ideas come from?

Project ideas come from things that you have seen, things that already exist. Good project ideas come from letting the student’s interest and curiosity drive the learning experience. It also comes from anywhere and everywhere. You can create an amazing project by yourself or have the most incredible idea. I think that a lot of teachers teach lessons that someone else has taught that they have begun to teach. Usually you would be more comfortable teaching something that you wanted to teach versus something we don’t want to teach. Project ideas could come from one project that you see and then you could come up with multiple successful projects.

4. Discuss the steps needed to design a project?

The steps needed to design a project are focusing on reaching a significant learning outcome. Also having students make critical decisions about learning paths and it needs to include a flexible framework. You always have to make sure backbone of the project is a solid starting point.You have to know what you are planning on teaching. Once you have figured that on, you just keep on building off that, Creating a map will help you organize your ideas and thoughts in a neat and appropriate display. Lastly, the last step is planning the project.

 5. Discuss on how concepts from the chapter relate to my project?

This relates to what we have been doing in our groups because we converse our ideas with our group members and everyone can provide feedback. We are able to bounce thoughts off one another and we can all work together to create the best lesson plan for the students. I can use this tips when creating a lesson so that it is a good project instead off a bad product.