Evidence/Projects

• Project Based Learning - Stem Cells

Context

In EDTEC 570 (Advanced Teaching with Technology) I was given the task to create a Project Based Learning module on any topic. Since I am a science teacher I thought it would be appropriate to choose a topic related to my field of expertise. The Project Based Learning activity focused on stem cell research and whether it should be used for cancer studies. Students were asked to research the topic and write a persuasive essay to support or dismiss the use of stems cells for cancer research. Furthermore students were required to develop a PowerPoint presentation to demonstrate their oratory skills.

Outcomes

This Project Based Learning module shows how I applied principles, theories and models to the formation of this online unit. Project Based Learning requires an understanding of the constructivist model of learning. This model of learning relies on the student constructing their own knowledge of the content.

Project Based Learning involves a task analysis to determine the skills students need to complete the activity. The analysis pointed to skills such as writing a persuasive essay, choosing a side based upon evidence, and creating a PowerPoint presnetation to name a few.

Challenges

The difficulty with the creation of the Project Based Learning module was keeping it small and not asking too much from my students. When I performed my task analysis, I noted as many as twenty five different skill sets the students needed to be able to perform. However I was able to slim it down to four main tasks:

• Researching the topic of Stem Cells
• Writing a Persuasive Essay
• Creating a PowerPoint Presentation
• Presenting the “Side”

Results/Growth

The Project Based Learning module I created is one which puts task analysis and constructivist learning model together. This project made me realize how important it is to chunk information and give tasks which will demonstrate their content knowledge and high level thinking skills.