Chapter 1 reading reflection

I think project based learning is a great thing to incorporate in the classroom. It gives students a hands- on experience that goes outside of the limitations of the classroom. Instead of a teacher standing in front of their classroom leading the lesson, the students ask their own questions and discover answers with guidance from the teacher.  

           Project based learning also prepares students for the real world. Students develop their problem solving skills as they discover their own answers to their questions. They learn how to manage deadlines and how to work as a team.
            Students also get the opportunity to work with new technology. Technology is a huge part of our society and students should be introduced to different technology at an early age. As long as the technology doesn’t turn into a distraction, then it can give students a huge advantage. It should act as a tool, instead of the main focus of the project.  
           Since this is a fairly new concept teachers should be ready to step out of the “traditional” classroom lesson and into a lesson that fully engages students and motivates them to learn. There is a lot of work that is required to initially set up a project. It is an investment that gets better as the teacher and students get familiar with it. Teachers need to rethink how they will manage their classroom, how they will assess progress and what the goals and expectations are for the students. This is a new concept for students as well. They will need to learn how to work and communicate with a team and how to manage their time