PoDS Pride Update 9.24.21
7.4
PoDS 101: Project-Based Learning
Most people know that PoDS utilizes an educational approach called "project based learning," but there is a good amount of confusion as to what, exactly, that means. In short, project based learning is a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working collaboratively for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to an authentic, engaging, multi-dimensional, and complex question, problem, or challenge. Their work is driven by the creation of a long-term project that is meant for an audience beyond the school walls.
There are five defining characteristics of project-based learning. Projects and lessons are:
Multi-dimensional in that they:
are academically rigorous.
develop student character.
emphasize high quality work.
focus on skills necessary for post-secondary success.
Authentic in that they:
take on formats from the real world rather than manufactured school formats.
are connected to issues within the students’ communities.
matter to an audience beyond the school walls.
Relevant in that they:
relate closely to current issues and controversies.
allow student voice and choice and draw on student interests.
provide students with opportunities to both pursue their passions and try new things.
Complex in that they:
require students to meet or exceed grade level standards.
require a variety of levels of thinking, with an emphasis on high-level and critical thinking
emphasize student understanding of big picture ideas and themes
Collaborative in that they:
enable students to learn from one another.
require students to share in the work and not divide the work.
provide varying opportunities for student leadership.
There are many moving parts within a long-term project, but, in general, there are ten definitive characteristics:
1. Compelling Topic/Theme
Topic/theme must allow for coverage of essential standards
Plentiful engaging case studies for content coverage
Allows for student voice and choice
2. Ambitious Final Product
Created with an authentic audience in mind
Is a professional product, not a “school project”
Should create awe and inspire the audience
3. Authentic Culminating Event
An authentic audience
If possible, held within the community instead of at school
All students (ALL) have work on display/play an integral role
4. Thought-Provoking Guiding Questions
Must be open-ended and not easily answerable
Referred to daily, by all teachers
Lessons built around them
Students reflect on them, especially at the beginning and end
5. Immersive Kick-Off
Allows students to dive in to the topic/theme
Can build students’ background knowledge
Incorporate fieldwork, and/or experts
6. Engaging Fieldwork
Fieldwork, not fieldtrip
Students should produce something as a result of the fieldwork
Should enhance learning, not be an add-on
7. Involved Experts
Emphasizes that teachers don’t have all the answers and that they, themselves, are learners
Content experts and/or product experts
Experts should be engaged in critique sessions
8. Constant Exemplars and Critique
Exemplar work from professionals and other students used to guide and inspire
Critique from experts, teachers, parents, and students
Use varying styles of critique, but give frequent feedback
9. Regular Student Voice and Choice
Types of choice vary depending on project (product, topic, style, etc.)
Students may have a voice in choosing case studies, topics, etc. (especially older students familiar with project-based learning)
10. Rich Literacy
Students read everyday (novels, nonfiction, primary source documents, etc.)
Every project is accompanied by detailed writing
There is no doubt that project-based learning provides students with a robust educational experience that focuses on all dimensions of student achievement!
Disturbing TikTok Challenge
The administration of PoDS has become aware of a trend or challenge on Tik Tok called the Devious Lick, Sinister Lick, or other similar names. It has students damaging or stealing school and/or personal property of school staff, and posting pictures or videos of themselves online via TikTok and social media platforms.
PoDS has the expectation that our students will act in a safe manner, and respect school and personal property at all times. I’m asking parents to talk to your kids about this trend, and reinforce how inappropriate and unacceptable it is. The administration will not tolerate acts of vandalism or theft on our campus, and will not hesitate to issue disciplinary consequences to students engaging in this kind of behavior. Consequences may include detention, suspension, referral to the police for citations, restitution for damages, and/or athletic code violations.
We all share a common responsibility to show respect and care for our community. This situation provides a great opportunity to reinforce the importance of school and community pride with our children. Let's all make sure our behavior meets the standards and expectations of our school community at all times. Thank you for your support.
Point of Discovery School
Website: https://www.pointschools.net/PointOfDiscovery
Location: 1900 West Zinda Drive, Stevens Point, WI, USA
Phone: 715 345 5566
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pointofdiscoveryschool
Important Upcoming Dates
October 6 - E-Learning for students - Professional Development
October 22 - PoDS Picture Retake Day
November 3 - E-Learning for students - Professional Development
November 4 - End of First Quarter
November 9 - 11 - Student-Led Conferences
November 15 - No School
November 24 - 26 - No School - Thanksgiving Break
December 23 - 31 - No School - Winter Break