Re: Project Based Learning is not for Novice learners

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On 9/18/10, Looking2Teach wrote:
> Has anyone here implemented project based learning in their
> foreign language classes? If so, what has your experience
> been with it, and could you give some examples of types of
> projects your students have done? Finally, if you know of
> any resources that are helpful for project-based learning
> in language classes please let me know!
>
> Thanks a lot.

FYI

Project based learning is a major complex tool for students
who already master a language. The inability to communicate
acurately and efficiently will negate all positive aspects of
PBL.

I would reserve any attempt at PBL for the upper secondary
student,levels 4 - 6, or the bilingual student in upper
elementary schools.

The notion that one has of PBL is superficial. Full reseach
into the data and possbile training is needed before launching
a PBL task for any content area.

"One concern is that PBL may be inappropriate in mathematics,
the reason being that mathematics is primarily skill-based at
the elementary level. Transforming the curriculum into an over-
reaching project or series of projects does not allow for the
necessary practice at particular mathematical skills. For
instance, factoring quadratic equations in elementary algebra
is something that requires extensive practice.

Another criticism of PBL is that measures that are stated as
reasons for its success are not measurable using standard
measurement tools, and rely on subjective rubrics for
assessing results." Wikipedia

I will add that foreign language has a lot in common with
Maths. Even Stephen Krashen et. al. admit that their research
cannot be applied to L2 learners at the novice and low
intermediate levels of proficiency because the use of language
is essential to achieving the product or goal.

Project based learning will not develop language skills.

To end this message on a postive note, Task Based Language
Instruction is possilbe in all levels of L2 study. Skills
cannot be overlooked.
 

Houghton-Mifflin Project Based Learning Space

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