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Constructing a PBL classroom... the first weeks of school
Hi,
The beginning of the year is fast approaching! I'm new to PBL and a pretty new teacher and I want to start off the year strong.
I thought we could share effective ways we start the year (curriculum, rules, activities, routines). How do you set up a PBL classroom? What rules and procedures/expectations/routines do you start setting up?
What are your classroom rules? Here are the rules I'm thinking of (they're NOT finalized). I want no more than 3-4. Rules can set students up to develop their abilities to collaborate, communicate, create, and reflect. These abilities are fundamental to PBL.
Here's my stab at creating rules that set up students well. I welcome your critique and wisdom.
- Think from different perspectives
- Speak your mind and listen to others
- Do the right thing even when no one is looking
- Communicate constructively
- Take risks
This discussion can become a resource for PBL classroom structure...
Comments (69)
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I was looking for assistance.
I was looking for assistance. This is my first year working with PBL. My students' ability range is wide. Where do I begin?
Denise
I teach 4th grade and am also looking for ideas.
Not a solution, but
Just some empathy. I teach high school in a combined Language arts and technology. Our IQ/COGAT score range is 60 points, so I know what you mean. However, PBL is my motivator: they choose a lot, and they choose their pace. I help all of them to make these decisions, to do appropriate, accomplishable work. Just taking the jump with you...
Our Curriculum Matters
What is your process for sharing these rules with students and giving them an opportunity to articulate these rule? They will help you with the wording...and in the discussion of what you all think is important (you get to communicate what your bottom line is still, but in partnership) you will get a higher level of clarity and ownership I think.
What an exciting journey!
It's so great to hear how
It's so great to hear how educators are developing the environment that will support PBL. I suggest that when developing classroom rules, teachers allow students to help construct the rules. They'll be more likely to want to follow them if they've had a part in creating them. Know what you ultimately want them to be but have the students help create them. Good luck.
thanks
Thanks you for posting that website for PBL. I will be looking into it further
I am a high school Spanish
I am a high school Spanish Teacher -- looking for any information on how to use PBL in Spanish I and Spanish II
I am an art teacher in a k-8
I am an art teacher in a k-8
School. Any suggestions on how to get the core teachers to open their doors and let the arts in.
I teach first and second grades and am not artistic so it would be hard for me to do PBL without involving our art teacher. I tell her in advance what my projects for the year are and she how she could help. She has a one hour block every Friday and runs her lesson plan by me to make sure it is what I need for the project. So approach the core teachers and let them know that you are willing to integrate your curriculum with theirs. Hope this is helpful. Good luck.
Opening Minds Through the Arts
I am an art teacher in a k-8 school. Any suggestions on how to get the core teachers to open their doors and let the arts in.
Victoria: we have a great video about elementary school arts integration. In Tucson, they have fully integrated the arts with nearly all core subjects. Not sure if this is the kind of direction you're looking at but there may be some ideas in there for you... or at least some fuel for convincing the core teachers that arts ed is critical!
Opening Minds Through The Arts video