Reading Reflection One

1. As you start the journey to Project Based Learning you must keep in mind that it is just that, a journey. You must be flexible and willing to rethink how the classroom was originally set up to function. As teachers we must also remember that the students have more knowledge in this area. Therefore we must be able to learn from our students as well as teach them. 
2. The advantages to PBL are numerous. Students are engaging in real-world activities and practice the strategies they will be using in the real world. They also are learning to work collaboratively, technology is integrated, projects are the centerpiece of curriculum and most importantly students can work with others across geographic boundaries, bringing together new ideas. 
3. For the students the benefits of PBL are plenty. They develop communication skills to break cultural misunderstandings to find an understanding, broaden their abilities to inquire, and learn to be flexible with their working hours to meet deadlines for others. Students may also gain a further understanding of how the world works and may even feel as if through communication and understanding of other people, individuals can do something about changing the world. 
4. However, there are a few issues with the PBL approach. A major problem is getting the educational community and parents to agree. For the education community some older less willing to change teachers may fight the changes. They may feel as if PBL is not going to teach students as well as traditional lesson plans. As for parents, they may have issues with students using technology in the classroom for they may view technology as a negative or as a toy. 
5.  New Technology High is an example where PBL is the cornerstone of the curriculum. This is allows students to use technology just as easily as pen and paper in the classroom. This allows students to learn with PBL as the main teaching method in the classroom.