why pbl?
Project Based Learning (PBL) is an instructional approach built upon authentic learning activities that engage student interest and motivation. As an Innovation School with STEAM-focused programming, PBL offers both a natural fit and a necessary curricular approach for the Linden STEAM Academy. STEAM is not a subject in itself, but rather a “meta-discipline” that focuses as much on the connections between disciplines as the specific content within each. Strong STEAM programs strive to engage students in cross-discipline and project-based explorations that instill within them a life-long curiosity about science, and that challenge them to learn how to solve problems and seek solutions to issues facing their own communities and the world. The Linden STEAM Academy envisions itself as a laboratory that invites its young students to discover their own potential as they develop interests in the STEM subjects. Through STEM- focused and project-based learning, students will become young scientists and mathematicians, learning to think critically, to ask questions and to be persistent and curious.
PBL activities are designed to answer a question or solve a problem, and often connect to the types of learning and work people do in the everyday world outside the classroom. At Linden, student projects are generally focused on the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) disciplines, and aim to teach students 21st century skills as well as content. These skills include the “Four C’s” of Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, and Creativity. Within the context of doing projects, Linden students learn and practice presentation skills, organization and time management skills, research and inquiry skills, self-assessment and reflection skills, and group participation and leadership skills.
Project Based Learning encourages students to learn in-depth. Projects are done individually or by groups of students working together toward a common goal. Performance is assessed on an individual basis, and takes into account the quality of the product produced, the depth of content understanding demonstrated, and the contributions made to the ongoing process of project realization. Finally, Project Based Learning allows students to reflect upon their own ideas and opinions, exercise voice and choice, and make decisions that affect project outcomes and the learning process in general.
PBL activities are designed to answer a question or solve a problem, and often connect to the types of learning and work people do in the everyday world outside the classroom. At Linden, student projects are generally focused on the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) disciplines, and aim to teach students 21st century skills as well as content. These skills include the “Four C’s” of Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, and Creativity. Within the context of doing projects, Linden students learn and practice presentation skills, organization and time management skills, research and inquiry skills, self-assessment and reflection skills, and group participation and leadership skills.
Project Based Learning encourages students to learn in-depth. Projects are done individually or by groups of students working together toward a common goal. Performance is assessed on an individual basis, and takes into account the quality of the product produced, the depth of content understanding demonstrated, and the contributions made to the ongoing process of project realization. Finally, Project Based Learning allows students to reflect upon their own ideas and opinions, exercise voice and choice, and make decisions that affect project outcomes and the learning process in general.