Module 1 Reflection

During my publication assignment for Module 1, I learned many important qualities that project-based learning (PBL) provides. Most children typically relate to any subject matter that can reflect real-life experiences. This enables the student to better retain the information because they have actually been able to manipulate and use higher critical thinking skills. Combining that with an authenticity in the lesson plan itself creates motivation for the 21st century student.

There are many benefits of project use within the classroom. It begins with a sense of community where there is no fear to share new ideas and supplies. Group work also enables the students to bounce ideas off one another and collaboratively come up with predictions and/or solutions. Exposing technology to the student enhances their knowledge of the world wide web and other various tools they will need not only for future schoolroom purposes, but also in the workforce. With a student-centered (teacher-facilitated) classroom, each child has an increased opportunity to use their imagination and come up with fun, exciting theories to complete the group project.

My publication also gave me the chance to to reflect on how I would communicate with the parents. How much information should they be privy to and how will I go about keeping them informed? Weekly or biweekly newsletters home are great forms of communication and involving the parents. This also gives them an idea of what is expected of them for each project because not all aspects of a particular project might be put into action during school hours. It is also imperative that parents help contribute to school supplies for each project. I also included a vocabulary section in my mock newsletter and reminded the parents to review them whenever possible because children are little spunges that absorb more real-life experiences. For me, Module 1 has enlightened me on the importance of project-based learning not only its importance inside the classroom, but also communication student to student and teacher to parent.