Project based instruction and the importance of self directed learning

Project-Based Instruction
and the importance of self-directed learning


Oliver Schinkten
Staff Author, LinkedIn + lynda.com

@schink10


Today’s Goals
1. Address some concerns with education
2. Share a potential solution
3. Discuss tools & resources
4. Allow time for Q&A


Concerns in Education
What is the purpose of school?


Concerns in Education
What is the purpose of school?

?


Interdisciplinary

Students do not see the connections
between the different subject areas.

Why are we writing?
This isn’t literacy,
it’s science.


Why are we
doing math?
This is science!

I think they
are serious!


1. What is science?
2. What is literacy?
3. What is math?
4. What is art?


1. What is science?

my 3rd hour class

2. What is literacy?

my 5th hour class

3. What is math?

my 1st hour class

4. What is art?

my 6th hour class


Preparing students for their future
What skills do they need to succeed?

College & Career
Ready


Preparing students for their future
What skills do they need to succeed?

College & Career
Ready


Preparing students for their future
What skills do they need to succeed?

College & Career
Ready


Preparing students for their future

What skills do they need to succeed?

College & Career
Ready

What about Life-Ready?


Preparing students for their future
What skills do they need to succeed?

Communication & collaboration skills
Problem solving skills
Technology skills
Know “how to learn”


It is critical for our students
to become self-directed learners.


It is critical for our students
to become self-directed learners.


It is critical for our
students to become
self-directed learners.

Engage students in:

Higher Order Thinking



What is the solution?

Project-Based Instruction
and self-directed learning.


Project-Based Instruction
doesn’t have to mean:

A charter school or special program


Project-Based Instruction
doesn’t have to mean:

“canned projects”


Project-Based Instruction
key ingredients:
1. Authentic projects. Authentic audiences.
2. Extend learning beyond the school & school day.
3. Collaborate with the community for resources,
opportunities, and expertise.

4. Projects demonstrate students’ understanding of
content knowledge.
5. Require higher order thinking skills.


Project-Based Instruction
key ingredients:
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

Incorporate 21st century skills.
Equip students with resources.
Teach skills. Don’t assume they have them.
Foster an inquiry-based classroom.
Foster a student-centered classroom.