Running head: PROJECT BASED LEARNING

Project Based Learning:

To Be or Not to Be in My Classroom?

Matthew R. Stroup

Azusa Pacific University

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Abstract

Project Based Learning (PBL) is a way to teach students problem-solving skills by introducing

them to a real-world problem that will encourage them to use various skills across multiple

disciplines to complete it. The method of solving a creative problem through projects usually

requires a hands-on approach where students learn through authentic practical experience. PBL

has a place in my teaching strategy now and into the future.

Keywords: PBL
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Project Based Learning:

To Be or Not to Be in My Classroom?

Project Based Learning seems like another one of those educational buzz words that

people like to toss around when they talk about education reform, but it is more than just a buzz

word. When you get to the heart of PBL you to get to the heart of education. You begin to see

students engaged on multiple levels of intelligence. PBL requires a certain amount of passion and

perseverance to complete projects that may run the course of hundreds of hours (Solomon,

2003). The students make a real-world connection between what they are learning by what they

are doing and the problem they are solving. As Gwen Solomon (2003) summarized, In project-

based learning, students work in groups to solve challenging problems that are authentic,

curriculum-based, and often interdisciplinary. Its designed to engage students and empower

them with responsibility for their own education in way unheard of in traditional classrooms.

(para. 1.).

The Future of PBL in my Teaching

I have the unique opportunity of teaching video production at Clark Magnet High

School. If you have ever given your attention to the credits of a film you will notice one thing, or

perhaps a thousand things. There are many people that work on one film. In the midst of building

the hard skills needed to perform the task at hand there are many soft skills such as, teamwork

and collaboration that are required to complete a production (Solomon, 2003). One of the

attributes of Project-Based Learning is the challenge of learning how to self-manage. The

students who collaborate on a video production in my class go through a rigorous process of

writing, storyboarding, creating a shot lists, finding and secure locations, actors and props. Then

they need to use a camera, lights, and direction to create the image. After filming is complete
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they need to transfer the data to a computer and edit the music and picture together to tell make

sense of their story. After the story has been completed they need to advertise for the premier of

their film and be brave enough to show it the public.

During the entire process, soft skills come into play because one person alone cannot

complete the work alone. PBL empowers students to be successful, productive and cooperative

team players. The skills learned through the video production process, PBL, will prepare my

students for many different occupations and industries, hopefully making the working world a

better place. For that reason, I will strive to incorporate PBL in my curriculum now and into the

future.
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References

Solomon, G. (2003, January 15). Technology and Learning-The Resource for Edcuation an

Technology. Project Based Learning:A Primer, para 2. Retrieved from

http://pennstate.swsd.wikispaces.net/file/view/pbl-primer-www_techlearning_com.pdf.