#worldgeochat Archive
#worldgeochat is a weekly chat focused on teaching geography and global studies. Chats vary between geography specific topics as well as general teaching and education topics. ALL are welcome in worldgeochat!
Tuesday March 22, 2016
Alrighty .... here we go !!
is about to start! Join us friends as we talk about !
Good evening Looking forward to learning about PBL tonight!
Good evening everyone ... take some time to introduce yourself (name, location, grade level)!!
Rachel from Iowa City, MS/HS Social Studies.
Matt Doran, SS Coordinator, Columbus, OH
Ed, 7th grade world geography teacher in the suburbs of Chicago.
I'm Ashley ... a World Geo (9th grade) teacher in deep south texas
Chris from IL - hoping to make it home before Q1!
Hi and Are you guys on spring break yet?
Misty, Instructional Coach for 6-8 ELA in Virginia ready to talk PBL at
- mine was last week, hence my absence from the chat!
Emily, 7th grade World History & Geo, TN... Finishing up some grad school work so I'll be in & out for a bit!
Hi & Thanks for joining us tonight!
Josh HS here in Austin… will be in and out.
so excited to talk about PBL tonight ... I also have a couple of Google Drive folders to share w/ y'all at the end!
Hi Glad you could make it!
Ryan from MI, World Geo. 6th Grade
Excited for PBL discussion. Go HIPs! Can we alphabet soup all night?
just a quick reminder ... we'll be using the Q1/A1 format for this chat & add new geo teachers to share the resource wealth!
Hi & Glad you could make it! Leslie are you at the game or watching practice?
Sorry that I am having a good chuckle at this! :D
Q1 will be rolling out in a couple of minutes
Hi Ryan! Glad you could join us tonight! Where about are you at in MI?
Education is nothing but a series of acronyms! :)
The one and only Flint, MI.
HIPs? I don't know this one. Maybe will give me a clue! :D
Very cool! I spend a lot of time in the summer in Watervaliet & Coloma MI at my inlaws cottage.
Q1: How do you sell the idea of PBL to your Ss and their Ps?
A1. It's what people do in the real world. Ask questions and solve problems.
I was wondering how have you rolled it out Ashley?
A1: nice things about college...1) all Ss want experience & out of lecture halls (sells itself) and, 2) no parents.
A1: Ps love the connections to their jobs, several have offered to come in to provide guidance, judge, or provide contacts
a1. Discuss all the skills ss work on during the process, research, writing, collaborating, talking, listening
A1: I tell Ss that this answers the age-old question .... "When are we ever going to use this in real life?"
A1: it also helps if you've planned a PBL unit that the Ss find captivating, but challenging
. That is awesome! Have any helped as mentors?
A1: For Ss it's about the engagement, for Ps shifting the mind set from worksheet, worksheet, paper test, letter grade.
A1 I *think* it sells itself. Any time you can make real connections that has to make things an easier sell!
A1. Ps want to see how it is going to connect to the real world. I think that it helps sell it.
YES!!! This!
https://t.co/aqnEbCpGCl
A1: For Ss it's about the engagement, for Ps shifting the mind set from worksheet, worksheet, paper test, letter grade.
- they haven't been able to come into the classroom yet, but I have a whole bunch of business cards!
. I would think you want to make sure the 1st one is a home run. What is your 1st PBL unit?
- when Ss see that it goes beyond a quiz/test, then they find the whole process intriguing!
- My 1st one is "When Nature Attacks" ... Ss create a info guide on a specific natural disaster for the govt.
can't wait to see the set up, as I think this is where it differs from inquiry based learning
Anytime there is an answer to the "why do we do this?" question from Ss, it makes the lesson worth it.
- Ss choose the medium they use ... fake forecasts, web-sites, apps, brochures, etc...
A1: I haven't used PBL yet but I think it would be better for Ss to see what they can accomplish more than just letter grade.
. Couldn't agree more! 3 yrs ago shifted class to more skills based as opposed to rote memorization. Love it!
- the focus is on the process; today Ss were asking "how can we improve our presentation" not "what's our grade"
In a Google-y world, memorization has no place in the classroom! Skills are where its at!
Are you using standards based grading Misty? We are shiting to that next year. Always looking for tips!
This is my first year in standards based practices. The PTs keep students engaged and able to do more with knowledge
Love that and being able to work through issues as they arise.
late arrival tonight... kids crying but ready for some !
Q2: How can PBL improve participation with your Ss?
I am not in a classroom. PBL is part of SS Ts curriculum but not ELA...yet :)
Agreed! Address content through teaching the skills.
A2 PBL forces some kids to get involved in something real instead of just nodding along.
Is there still a place for some memorization of foundation skills?
- I actually spoke to a ELA T on my campus about an intercurricular project (shoutout to )
Define foundation skills.
- there are some foundational pieces ... I still have map and vocab quizzes
Any pitfalls to avoid? Or definitely must dos when implementing SBG?
A2: Ss get to use their learning type to create projects that reflect them, creating more interest in assignment. Engagement!
A2: improves participation by creating student generated Qs to be solved. Inquiry breeds participation
This sounds GREAT!! https://t.co/dpGKEhmbYG
A2: Ss get to use their learning type to create projects that reflect them, creating more interest in assignment. Engagement!
A2. Allows for voice and choice = ownership. Also gives opportunities for public presentation and showcase.
DOK 1 items are necessary to build foundation to do more DOK 2/3 and 4 items
A2. They can maybe take a role in which will emphasize their strengths in a way that more traditional lessons don’t.
Same here. Have to know context of where before you ask why...
I think any time you can increase engagement its a WIN!
Ss are so much more engaged when they create the questions.
A2: special pop Ss find more comfort working to their strengths bc it give them liberty in the medium of creation
woop woop, ELA and GEO are a match made in heaven!
But what is so important that it must be memorized?
Awesome Whats the project? I want to try & coordinate a novel study w/ LA & geo next yr
- great thing about PBL is the autonomy that Ss can share with the T!
A2: moves from absorbing to creating knowledge. No sit back and listen passively. Have to do do do or sink.
a2 ss no longer a bystander in learning but rather in control becomes more of an expert excited to share what istruly learned
I think so, memorization works on other parts of the brain, some kids really can learn that way also. Another skill
- we're looking at Animal Farm, but there are so many dystopian novels that I want to take a crack at!
For our Walk for Water, Ss are making videos to bring the issue to younger Ss in elementary school. PBL?
It's all part of the puzzle. Working different brain-muscle groups
A2: PBLs motivate Ss by knowing there's no 1 way, right/wrong answer. They have choice.
I always stress to my Ss the importance of How might & How could Qs vs. the Google Qs. HOT Qs make better thinkers.
Agreed! Have been putting some of the visible thinking strategies this week. Has been working well!
A2. I love the amount of Student choice and voice that PBL lets the students have.
As I read your answer, I keep thinking I need to be doing PBL in math!
I loved Animal Farm! It was the book that got me hooked as a reader in Jr High.
Location provides context. basic concpets (difference between Lat/Long)
definitely build in lots of choices. Then they get to do what's relevant & interesting to them.
A3: my fave 4m the food truck project ... "we could totally make bank with this design ... let's start a business guys!" (1/2)
please share artifacts! https://t.co/3DFWuEGpg6
For our Walk for Water, Ss are making videos to bring the issue to younger Ss in elementary school. PBL?
2/2 tie in social studies
A3: this came from the Ss that were some of the MOST reluctant learneres I've ever had!
Yes! Then I am totally on board!!
A3: "I actually had fun learning today. Thanks."
A3:
"We get to decide where to go"
"I feel like I'm in charge"
A3: I've never done anything this big before. I didn't think we could pull it off, but look at what we did!
A3: truthfully though, there will be times when it will be a struggle with Ss and other Ts, but setting an example helps
A3: most students begin to see what it really means to love learning. It becomes a self-organizing system,as Sugata Mitra says
Which titles Laura? Always looking for new titles to recommend to my Ss!
- but it also opens up their mind the time mgmt and working with friends v. new people
- Ss & Ts are concerned with testing that it's a broad reach for them to see how PBL can actually reinforce skills
A1: Model willingness & interest in trying new things & Ss will be interested. If Ss are interested and enjoy it Ps will too.
thats where I was going. Student led inquiry becomes the lingua-franca +daily operation of class
. Do you shuffle the groups a lot? Also, do you pick the groups? Finally, what # of Ss works best?
I see. That has been an issue. I have given up worrying about testing. Take the test, let my Ss be my evidence
- if done effectively (& well-planned), then PBL is urgreatest weapon for addressing standards you'll see on a test
. Rolling Walk for Water out to my Ss on Thursday!
A2: It's more enjoyable for them. A gallery walk at end of term for authentic audience? Even better! https://t.co/hsEwQNjlJS
Have to head out a little earlier than expected.Will have to check back on the archives later. Some great ideas so far.Thanks.
Here is your recipe:
1 part guilt
1 part hope
1 part ACTION!
- I've actually seen a rise in scores on benchmarks, bc Ss are considering themes & critically thinking
Maze Runner would be great.
- creating a digital portfolio too!
1 Yes
2 Sometimes. I reserve the right 2 be the arbiter of justice
3 Depends on the day. 3-6 usually
So cool! Did you have the Ss parents come in Leslie?
Their attention to detail + multiple perspective taking has gone through the roof.
1 - nope, but Ss can fire group members
2 - sometimes
3 - 3, 4 tops
What tools do you use for your digital portfolios?
Bigger than 4 gives the chance for some Ss to check out. I love the idea of firing members!
Yes, would love to get ideas on this. Best tools to use?
Sorry missing tonight! Having to do last sec packing for redeye flight to Costa Rica tonight. Be back chatting in couple weeks
Have to find the right formula that works for you. lots of flexiblity is key
- GoogleDrive & OneDrive this year, but I've used blogs in the past
Yes you have to be care what situation you use groups larger than 4. careful planning
- really gives the Ss the real world experience (they even sign a contract)
I have incorporated the signposts from notice and note gets ss thinking about books in a different way
A4 I loved the ideas of firing members of a group, but now I'm wondering what to do w/ unemployed student!
How do you keep workload fair? Spot / deal with the freeloader Ss? Group or individual grade?
A4: Is it ever a problem that the Ss are so trained in the need of a letter grade for validation?
there is also a non fiction notice and note interesting stuff
What do you do if a group fires a student?
I would if we did it again. It was advertised, but possibly not well enough in advance.
- working on something ... I'll be creating a presentation on tech collab tools for PBL for a regional conference
That is always my biggest problem with group work, how to make sure the work load is somewhat equitable.
- fired S is responsible for the entire project by themselves
A4 Other Ts and many parents don't see instant results so they are wary of supporting it
Trying out blogs now, e.g., Wordpress, some Wix pages. We also have ePortfolios on LMS.
sesame snap free app for digital portfolios just came across this haven't used it yet
A4: Drawbacks: Time. Testing gets in the way. Shocking, I know.
Need to read Notice & Note for Nonfiction.
Very Cool! Would love to see that presentation!
Love Notice & Note books. I have both, went to a workshop w/ Beers & Probst.
We are going Standards Based Report Cards in a few yrs. That's already a fear we have.
me too I have both and have been to a workshop for the first book
What grade(s) do you teach Leslie?
A4: Depends, is the P for project- or problem-? It's difficult to do the latter in a biology class with a set curriculum.
What??? State mandated testing??? Who knew? :)
Getting Ss to form their own text dependent ? So engaging!
- there's a process: 3 strike rule really (everything documented on the group's contract)
Reading the non-fiction one now! :)
Grades 11 and 12, mostly 12.
put the freeloaders in the same group maybe?
We live in a new world of constant data mining.... Some things can not be easily measured.
- it could be both or a combo of the two
That's what I'm wondering. Will one of the step up, or will they all sink?
I had this, I gave them each alternative individual projects along with some online tutorial lessons.
Poor you! Enjoy it. Pura vida!
wouldn't that just lead to one terrible project. Seen it happen slackers
A4: it can drain you bc you & your Ss are pushing yourselves to your very best self
A4: also, you must be able to embrace noise and chaos
through their learning style?
. Definitely, there seems to need to be flexibility when it comes to covering content standards.
Always have a backup plan... yes.
It could. Natural consequence? I really don't know what you do w/ Ss who don't care about other Ss.
isn't there learning in failure? better then them freeloading and learningdoing nothing
isn't there learning in failure? better then them freeloading and learningdoing nothing
- either way, it's a lesson to be learned ... intervention is key in PBL (ur constantly checking in & have BMs)
move them out to work independently see if they just work better on their own?
A5 becomes the process of learning for class. It becomes the way in which students approach content by asking deep Qs
A5: PLANNING, PLANNING, PLANNING !!!
need to change mindsets and value observations and conversations that occur during the learning process not just end product
A5 My question is, do we want to? I fear that too much of anything can make it go stale.
BMs? Also do you have a conferencing sheet? What about keeping track of Ss progress?
Hello , in for the last 15 minutes.
- your right ... I give the Ss 2/3 projects a year & give them a break in between to refresh their minds
A5 is integrated by carefully shaping the question 2 wrap around the content 4 a unit.
That's good to know. I think its great, but probably absolute hell for some Ss.
. Good point. how many PBL projects do you do a year? How do you keep it fresh?
- BM = benchmark
Also, I make unique sheets w/ each project 4 conferencing & use calendars to check in
I use a Google doc on my iPad and make notes as I walk around and have conversations
I also eschew all or nothing of anything. Moderation is key, even for PBL.
- I alternate projects so they're not predictable, & I have breaks between each project (2/3 tops)
. Do you have set standards u hope to accomplish w/ each project or do the Ss explain which ones they addressed?
it has a class list that runs down the left with look fora along the top
Sorry I'm so late to but have been following along - great input from great Ts on also like Solution Based Learning
- that's where I start (w/ the standards) ... I show the Ss via rubrics & they are free to interpret
A6 using code to make a Google DeathStar. It could be a great collaboration
A5: Entire curriculum? I wouldn't. I did use PBL to address any 9-12 related to and it worked very well.
Right now AP Human Geo Ss PBL = policy re: climate change
What were some examples of your best Ss PBL projects ?
A6: the Apocalypse project is a big hit (surviving a pandemic), and the Chowdown Showdown (FOOD trucks!!!)
A6 I'm going out on a limb and say something about world water issues played out on a smaller scale?
What standards do you use?
Thanks for a great chat. Bedtime here. See ya next week. Thanks for leading us tonight
- I use the TEKS (our state has its own set of standards)
I am intrigued please share more. Sound so engaging
Small scale or large scale. I think you can develop small or large solutions to water issues! Short/long term.
First grade level project of the year is PBL re: Summer Read to build community & debrief process
Would this be like a WalkingDead scenario?
here's a link to some early research on PBL that I collected for y'all to start off with ...
https://t.co/LdeNLb7zl7
Are they online? I wonder how they look compared to our standards.
- that's how I actually start the project ... a scene from Walking Dead!!
Just trying to think through logistically in a school how large a project you could construct
