Small Middle School is piloting a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) - Blended Learning Instructional design that allows students to explore 21st skills in a technology-rich 1:1 initiative. Eighth grade students have access to 20 iPads and 10 notebooks in each academic classroom. Students use Edmodo.com as a platform to access learning goals, classroom expectations, embedded digital academic resources, grading rubrics, and to communicate with the teacher and classmates. The 3-part instructional design (PBL, Blended Learning, & Small group instruction) allows teachers to group students according to academic need within an inclusive learning environment. In PBL groups, students explore content for mastery by solving real-world problems, create unique digital products, and present their work to an audience. During Blended Learning, students explore self-paced interactive online content and show mastery through online assessments. Teachers use real-time data from online learning to determine Response to Intervention (RtI) needs in small group instruction or plan enrichment opportunities for advanced learners. This differentiated learning instructional design allows all learners to maximize their full potential and engage in 21st century skills forcollege and career readiness.
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Traditional Learning vs. Problem-Based LearningIn a traditional classroom, students are often told what they need to learn, are assigned homework for practice, and tested at the end of a unit of study. In a PBL classroom, students are challenged with a problem to solve, identify what is needed to learn in order to solve the problem, then engage in learning by applying content to unique learning products using 21st century skills, including digital citizenship.
8th Grade Pilot: An Overview |
What are 21st Century Skills?The framework for 21st Century Learning presents a holistic view of 21st century teaching and learning that combines a discrete focus on
21st century student outcomes (a blending of specific skills, content knowledge, expertise and literacies) with innovative support systems to help students master the multi-dimensional abilities required of them in the 21st century (From Partnership for 21st Century Skills). A list of skills include: Collaboration, Cooperation, Communication, Creativity, Organization, Problem-Solving, Self Direction & Social Responsiblity, and Technology Fluency.
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Student Perspective: |
8th Grade Learning Outcomes/Grading Policy:
Content Knowledge - 85%
Students will show mastery of grade level TEKS, and effectively transfer knowledge and skills from subject area TEKS to projects and real world applications. The student will gather, analyze and synthesize information in a variety of contexts.
Professionalism - 10%
Students will demonstrate respect, citizenship, responsibility and collaborative skills, incorporating the CSMS P.A.W.S. initiative: preparation, responsibility, work ethic, and seeking help. Professionalism includes, but is not limited to, on task behavior, time management, team work, and turning in work on time.
Technology Literacy and Communication - 5%
The student selects and utilizes appropriate technology to effectively perform a variety of tasks using 21stcentury skills. Students will clearly express and construct ideas before a variety of audiences and for multiple purposes.
Students will show mastery of grade level TEKS, and effectively transfer knowledge and skills from subject area TEKS to projects and real world applications. The student will gather, analyze and synthesize information in a variety of contexts.
Professionalism - 10%
Students will demonstrate respect, citizenship, responsibility and collaborative skills, incorporating the CSMS P.A.W.S. initiative: preparation, responsibility, work ethic, and seeking help. Professionalism includes, but is not limited to, on task behavior, time management, team work, and turning in work on time.
Technology Literacy and Communication - 5%
The student selects and utilizes appropriate technology to effectively perform a variety of tasks using 21stcentury skills. Students will clearly express and construct ideas before a variety of audiences and for multiple purposes.
Small MS 8th grade PBL wins national award!
"Where Nature's Wisdom Powers Human Innovation"
GreenTech Academy 8th grade students participated in a PBL called "Hack Your School Green." The students were challenged to think of a way to green your school. Small MS students entered their PBL creative product (YouTube video) into a competition, sponsored by Guerrilla Green Architecture for Humanity, and recently won the SOUTH FIRST BRACKET grant of $1000 to get their project underway. These students may be eligible for up to $13,000 if they win the final round! This PBL is an excellent example of students using career experts in their area of investigation to learn content they have identified as a "need to know." In addition, key components of a quality PBL is utilization of 21st Century Skills, presenting to an expert audience, involving your local community, and relevancy.
Click here to view the Guerrilla Green winners.
Click here to learn more about the Small MS GreenTech Academy.
Click here to view the Guerrilla Green winners.
Click here to learn more about the Small MS GreenTech Academy.
Guerrilla Green PBL "hook": |
Small Middle School student PBL product: |
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