CCP Why PBL?
#1 - Why PBL?
An effect size of 0.40 is what Hattie refers to as a hinge-point regarding what is significantly effective or at “a level where the effects of innovation enhance achievement in such a way that we can notice real-world differences” (Hattie, 2009).
What high-effect size instructional strategies could we use to build students background knowledge before jumping into a PBL unit?
Here are a few:
Jigsaw Approach (d=1.20)
Summarization (d=.74)
Direct Instruction (d=.59)
Practice Testing (d=.46)
You can facilitate deep learning about a topic with a whole host of strategies (check the chart). You want to use PBL when appropriate, that is, after students have a thorough background knowledge.
Problem-Solving Teaching (.68)
Problem-solving involves learning to solve a problem that one does not already know how to solve, and can also involve teaching specific, subject-area focused strategies for attempting to solve such problems.
In this situation, your students are applying their hard-earned knowledge to a novel situation.
Let's explore a few "PBL Lite" ideas that blend technology into them.
The Structure of Your PBL Station
The purpose of the stations is to introduce learners to content creation and curation tools via a variety of mini-lessons. These mini-lessons follow a formula:
Present a problem
From the problem, a task appears
Background knowledge or information is shared along with tools that can be used to create and/or aggregate data or information
A product of some kind is required that synthesizes information and/or create new stuff
These stations are self-directed and can be employed by groups of learners working in collaboration.
Examples
Find out more about the PAGER framework at https://sites.google.com/sabineisd.org/pager/home
PAGER Model in use for Digital Badging
Van ISD’s “Bold School Badging” program. Their vision is to focus teachers’ attention on impacting student learning. How? Focus on student-centered learning. Educators earn badges as they complete professional development and receive incentives.