Moursund project-based learning model
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In principle, someone is working on it and there should be a better version in a not so distant future.
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Definition
The Moursund project-based learning model as presented here has been published in one of the most popular textboooks, intitled "Project-based learning: Using Information Technology".
The model presented here draws from a summary of Moursund 2002: 57-64). We did not simply summarize, therefore it is our (DSchneider)'s interpretation of the model.
Context
This model can be applied (or rather adapted) to a wide range of project-based learning at various levels of teaching.
Definition of goals
Typicially project-based learning involves definition of different kinds of goals, e.g.:
- Gain knowledge and skills within a global (class-wide) subject area
- Gain knowledge and skills in individual project-related subject areas
- Improve IT skills (in particular improve ICT-enhanced "knowledge working" and "community of practice") skills
- Improve general problem solving skills including metacognitive and other learning strategies.
Definition of the PBL Lesson(s) Topic(s)
- under construction
Implementing a PBL Lesson
This is only a short summary, please refer to the book for details. Note that this is a generic outline that needs to adapted to each situation.
Getting started
- Define the topic
- Define timelines, milestones and assessment methods
- Identify resources
- Identify prequisites
- Advance organization (introduce project-methodology, skills that will have to be acquired etc.)
- Form teams
Initial Team Activity - Project Planning
- Knowledge pooling by team members
- Initial project specification, e.g. formulate objectives and questions. At university level, this should lead to a research design.
- Planning, e.g. definition of workpackages, milestones and timelines
- Formal teacher feedback
- Revision of the project specification and plan (if need return to steps 2 and 3)
Project Implementation
- Have students complete one task and milestone at a time. Make sure that students engage in regular meetings
- Refining of project definition
- Sharing between team members (make sure that there is collaboration and cooperation, you decide)
- Provide feedback (this incluse peer-to-peer tutoring, global feedback to the class for all projects, etc.)
- Move toward completion.
- Repeat all steps until all milestones have been met
Completion
- Students have to polish the final product and prepare associated presentations.
- Assessment: The whole class should assist at the presentation of the results. Students may have the occasion to integrate a last feedback.
- Closing session with the whole class discussing the experience
Links
- Dave Moursund, ICT-Assisted Project-Based Learning HTML.
- This is a Website designed to support a workshop, a short course, or self study. However, DSchneider also recommends to buy the book directly from ISTE
References
- Moursund, David (2002) Project-based learning: Using Information Technology, 2nd edition, ISTE. ISBN 1-56484-196-0
- Some chapters of prior edition are available online