March 2006 — Features
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25 Tools, Technologies, and Best Practices
15 ] International Telementor Program. This unique nonprofit program makes a strong case for the power of PBL. Practical projects link students with real-world, corporate professionals in a secure, monitored electronic messaging system. Participating school leaders and educators must have a very strong commitment to student success beyond what topical assessments might show. The focus is on creating and increasing the number of “proactive” (rather than reactive) students in any one classroom. The program supports students who use school as just one of a number of resources to help explore meaningful, self-determined goals in building and leading a well-balanced, quality life outside of and beyond school. See www.telementor.org.
Valuable PBL Resources
16 ] Pearls of Wisdom. Bob Pearlman is an educational consultant and the former president of the Autodesk Foundation. His Web site offers a sound perspective on PBL. He is especially illuminating on such topics as assessing how traditional schooling is missing the mark, the need to connect kids with real-world experiences, and the importance of collaboration. Not to be missed on the site are the links to examples of creative projects “Leaping Lizards” and “The Big List on PBL.” Pearlman’s pearls of wisdom are available at www.bobpearlman.org.
17 ] An Educational Galaxy Far, Far Away. George Lucas, creator of the Star Wars movies, sponsors the George Lucas Educational Foundation, a nonprofit foundation that encourages innovation in schools. Their site offers cutting-edge insights and articles on teaching, technology, and inspiring students. GLEF has embraced the task of documenting, disseminating, and advocating for exemplary K-12 programs in public schools and works to spread the message of best practices nationwide. You’ll find detailed articles, in-depth case studies, research summaries, instructional modules, short documentary segments, expert interviews, and links to hundreds of relevant resources. Participate in an online community dedicated to project- based learning at www.glef.org.
18 ] Strategies, Examples, and Links Galore. This excellent Web site by Project Approach is a good place to find out more about theory that drives PBL, strategies for planning and implementing it, examples, bibliographies, useful links, and opportunities. The treatment encompasses PBL for younger children, where play and exploration are primary components, and for older students, for whom projects are viewed as a complement to the regular academic program. Projects are broadly defined as in-depth investigations of real-world topics worthy of a student’s attention. For applying PBL to whole classes or smaller groups, the suggestions and information offered here are invaluable. Visit www.project-approach.com.
