Project Based Learning

[JoAnn Young]

Our school is interested in project based learning. We would like to visit K-6 or K-8 independent schools that are successfully using this approach. Can you recommend a good school to visit? We would like to find a good resource for professional development for our teachers, too. Can you recommend a good resource? I have read about Buck Institutes for Education and PBL that they have helped to develop in high schools. Can anyone recommend Buck Institutes for Education as a resource for providing professional development for PBL for elementary teachers?

[Kusum Wagle]

You might want to visit schools that have the PYP program of the IB diploma program.  The Primary Years Program has Units which encompass most subjects and have some project based learning.  I also found  Project Zero offered by Harvard School of Education during the summer months to be excellent for professional development.  Warmly, Kusum Waglé

[JoAnn Young]

I am familiar with Project Zero. We would like to find a group that will work with our faculty throughout the year in our school and offer opportunities for classroom observations and followup. I am not sure that Project Zero offers that kind of support. I would love to hear if your experiences with Project Zero have provided the kind of on-site support that we would like to find. Will look into PYP. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences.

[Kusum Wagle]

Yes, Project Zero does offer that kind of support.  I am going to refer you to Jim Reese who happens to be the Curriculum Coordinator at our school (Washington International School) and he is the right person to help you since he is one of the coordinators at Project Zero too!  His email is [e-mail] and I have already mentioned your query to him.  By the way, Project Zero is having a big conference in NY in April and in Atlanta in November.  Hope this helps, cheers, Kusum Waglé

[Kusum Wagle]

Here's what Jim just wrote to me: 

 

Okay. If she's interested in preschool, I know just the people from PZ to help her out. You might tell her there's a Visible Thinking conference in Miami in March focused on early elementary and preschool. Ron and Dave will be speaking there.

Jim

(That's Ron Ritchhart and David Perkins).

Hope this helps, Kusum Waglé

[JoAnn Young]

I am interested in PreK through Grade 6 and will check out this conference. Tell Jim I will give him a call. Thanks so much for passing along this additional information.

Sincere appreciation, JoAnn

[Kusum Wagle]

My pleasure!  PZ has opened so many new ways of thinking for me - I think you will be excited by it and so will your teacher colleagues.  You could call Jim at the school number 202 243 1800 or his direct line (which I think is) 202 243 1888.  Good luck, cheers, Kusum Waglé

[Alex Ragone]

Hi JoAnne,  Michelle Koetke at School of the Holy Child in Rye NY uses PBL.

 

Here are some notes from a presentation she organized:

 

http://neit.wikispaces.com/NEIT2008-3M

 

Best,  Alex

 

 

[JoAnn Young]

Thank you for passing along this information. Have you attended any conferences, workshops on PBL that you have found informative and supportive?

[Alex Ragone]

JoAnn,  I have not -- since grad school at Teachers College at least.  I would check with Michelle Koetke at School of the  Holy Child and she's the person I have heard speaking about PBL the most.  Best,  Alex

 

[JoAnn Young]

Alex,

I will contact Michelle. Thanks for your suggestions.

Best to you, JoAnn