Description
This course is an introduction to the theory and research behind Project Based Learning (PBL) and the basics of designing PBL that supports student attainment of core academic content and such 21st century skills as critical and analytical thinking, communication, personal agency, collaboration, and technology proficiency. This course is centered around the text, Setting the Standard for Project Based Learning, which seeks to investigate the theories on instructional practice and to find what actually accelerates student learning based on research. The authors review the Gold Standard Project Based Learning, which brings together proven instructional practices and learning strategies. This particular book advances the thinking and applies it to the specific context of project-based learning.
This course is for professional development credit only. VirtualSC PD courses do not count towards any type of degree.
Course Outline
Week 1: Student Orientation
Week 2: What is Project-Based Learning?
Week 3: The historical Perspective of Project-Based Learning
Week 4: Why Project-Based Learning?
Week 5: What Does the Research Say about PBL?
Week 6: Connecting to 21st Century Skills
Week 7: The Gold Standard of PBL
Prerequisites
This course is the first of three that leads to a Project-Based Learning Endorsement. Coursework related to this endorsement prepares educators to implement project-based learning with students in classrooms and schools and to provide mentoring, support, and professional development to other educators seeking to implement this methodology with students in their classrooms.
This is an advanced level course for teachers, literacy coaches, curriculum specialists, professional development specialists, or other school personnel. Participants are expected to have regular access to computers with Internet access. They will also need speakers and a microphone (or a headset or telephone) to participate in the Virtual Meeting sessions. In addition, participants should be proficient with browsing the Internet, uploading and downloading content, navigating to computer files, and with using word processing software, email, and attachments.
Required Materials
Setting the Standard for Project Based Learning by John Larmer, John Mergendoller, & Suzie Boss is a required professional book for this class. It can be ordered from Amazon as a digital edition for $18.86, or in paperback for $25.25. All materials in this course are the property of the South Carolina Department of Education Office of VirtualSC PD. All course materials needed/required for the workshop, other than the book mentioned above, are available online.
Registration
When you register for a graduate course there are two steps: first with VirtualSC PD and then with The College of Charleston. Upon registration with VirtualSC PD, directions will be emailed to you for completing registration with The College of Charleston. Check the email used to create your Genius account often.
- Registration with The College of Charleston is required for each graduate course in order for credit to be awarded.