The idea of CBL is filled with hope and inspiration. The idea that students - even elementary students could not only recognize a problem, but come up with solutions to resolve it is powerful. Research shows that students who are engaged in a real-world problem not only are more engaged but the type of learning the experience is deeper and more meaningful. Students who struggle with rudamentary skills worksheets, will tackle complex math equations in order to solve a problem. If you've never read the story of Emily Pilloton - you should! It is the perfect example of how much learning can take place when students tackle a problem. Her first project took place in a rural community that had no where to sell the fruits and vegetables they produced. Pilloton had her high school students design and build a farmers market. Students had to study so much in order to manage this task, and then after months and months of hardwork they got to STAND in the building they had created. This deep learning will carry with it lasting effects. You can learn more about the project here: I've witnessed, first-hand the power of CBL. My own 5th grade students were tasked with solving a community problem. Our school was unsafe because of a lack of street lights and sidewalks. They spent months trying to manage the complex world of local politics -- WHO IS IN CHARGE OF PUTTING IN LIGHTS AND SIDEWALKS? They created health reasons and safety reasons based on reserach and then began reaching out to the community. In the end, they were able to stand under the light of street lights that they helped add to our campus. They not only learned tons of academic skills - computer research, letter writing, presentation skills, math and engineering skills - but they also found that they could have a voice in their own community - they became empowered because the problem that they solved was real, and therefore their efforts significant.
Like the educators in the Wired video, I was overwhelmed by what my young students accomplished, and had to remember to take a step back, and really see all they were accomplishing, but I've no doubt of the research associated with the CBL approach - first hand exposure made me a believer.
2 Comments
Daniel James Parker
4/27/2017 01:15:57 pm
I also was taken aback by CBL. How cool the video you shared and the your own experience with it. That is amazing. This idea of changing things for the better and learning at the same time is so different from the lecture classroom setting, or textbook setting. Really great! Thanks for sharing.
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Nai Saelee
5/27/2017 01:39:50 pm
I totally agree with you! I am in immense awe at what the youth can accomplish these days. I think CBL is definitely intimidating though. I would not even know where to begin with it in my 8th grade math class. How do I have them apply scientific notation and the multiplication and division of monomials to a real world situation? I attempted to have my students talk about the the present predicament of our environment and climate change and the need for possibly exploring space more. They calculated how far alpha centauri (next habitable planet) would be and how long and how much money they would need to make this feasible. They researched how fast the fastest rocket/shuttle could go permitted by today's technology, how much fuel it would take, and how much it would cost for that. It was VERY guided and we did not implement this knowledge in any way or connect with the community. Does anyone else feel this way?
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AuthorJen has been teaching school for awhile now. She's learned some stuff, but she's got tons more to learn. Archives
October 2017
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