Project learning can inspire the best of high-performance teamwork, or it can be devolve into unfocused chaos. How can we support each other to keep our eye on the prize? Share your project ideas, questions, and implementation experiences.
Help the Unicorns
Jane Krauss
Teacher, curriculum and program developer, author, PBL facilitator, techie
Posted on 8/7/2010
Jane here. I worked with the staff of a fine arts magnet middle school in Tucson this week (Go Unicorns!) that was grappling with the difference between activity-based learning and project-based learning. Through discussion we came close to an operational definition of each, which would help them sort and improve their project ideas. They would like to be able to say, for example, "No, I think that's more of an activity, it's not really a project. A project would be/have..."
Would you throw in your two cents? Utterback MS (amazing place) and I thank you!
Comments (3)
Comment RSSSign in or register to post comments
ABL vs PBL
A major differentiator to me is the end: activity-based has the end product determined, while project-based does not. Yes, they both shared same end of learning certain standards, but not the product that demonstrates that learning. I guess that product is the result of freedom to choose direction/product/demonstration. "The choice of demonstration of learning."
ABL v PBL - What Mike Said
[quote]A major differentiator to me is the end: activity-based has the end product determined, while project-based does not. Yes, they both shared same end of learning certain standards, but not the product that demonstrates that learning. I guess that product is the result of freedom to choose direction/product/demonstration. "The choice of demonstration of learning."[/quote]
I like that a lot, Mike. I'd back in a bit further and say pbl includes "The choice of the path to the demonstration of learning," too.
Volley back to Jane, others?
I like your idea. One word change, one word added: "The choice of BOTH the path AND the demonstration of learning." Now if we could just get it copyrighted and charge a fee...