Deeper Learning and Project Based work
Today we share a piece from our colleagues in Washington State. The NWESD 189 District is beginning it’s journey implementing NPDL, and it’s great to read their reflections and connections between existing and next practice.
The article below is reposted with permission from https://www.nwesd.org/edtalks/blog/deeper-learning
Did you know that currently one-third of American workers are engaged in some kind of freelance or project-based work? And because the internet can reach much larger audiences than ever before, almost anyone can download an app and start a business (examples:
The Deeper Learning initiative at NWESD is helping districts look at new pedagogical practices that are a combination of (1) a deeper understanding of core academic content, (2) the ability to transfer that understanding to novel problems and situations, and (3) the development of core competencies that prepare each student to be a transforming influence in the world.
These core competencies include critical thinking, communication, collaboration, creativity, citizenship, and character traits such as persistence and grit. Michael Fullan (2014) defines the ‘new pedagogies’ not just as instructional strategies, but as powerful models of teaching and learning, enabled by digital tools and resources, taking place in learning environments that support deep learning throughout the entire education system.
One pedagogical approach to Deeper Learning is project based learning. Some districts have adopted the concept-based curriculum design as their pedagogical approach. (offered at NWESD October 24-25), while other districts are incorporating problem-based curriculum design. (offered at NWESD on November 14-15). This article, “Preparing Students for A Project-Based World”, describes why and how all students would benefit from project-based learning and how you can get started.
Ed
Preparing Students for a Project-Based World http://gettingsmart.com/publication/preparing-students-project-based-world/
Fullan, M. & Langworthy, M. (2014) A Rich Seam: How New Pedagogies Find Deep Learning, London: Pearson.
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