Project-Based Learning Offerings for 2011-2012

Project-Based Learning 101
Interested in taking classroom projects beyond a fluffy dessert idea or add-on to your units? Leave the “dessert” behind and focus on projects that serve as the “main course”. Learn how to design innovative, standards-based projects that are both rigorous and relevant. The Buck Institute of Education (BIE) is the prominent nationally-recognized project-based learner (PBL) provider in the country. Lead by a BIE-certified workshop facilitator, participants will experience a specially designed high-quality learning process in which one actually experiences PBL as a learner while designing their own PBL unit. As a result, participants will get a better classroom feel for PBL while learning basic principles for designing, assessing and managing PBL projects. Through a combination of direct instruction, video analysis and hands-on collaborative work, participants have the opportunity to plan, design and receive peer feedback on an engaging and rigorous project using the BIE model and tools. Every participant receives a free copy of the 2011 revised PBL 101 Workbook, which includes rubrics, planning forms, activities, readings, etc. In addition, participants will have an exclusive invitation to an Ohio PBL wiki that contains Ohio-focused, K-12 PBL units for teachers to share. Lunch is on your own. 
February 28-29, 2012 (K-5 Focus)
March 6-7, 2012  
April 3-4, 2012
May 15-16, 2012
June 18-19, 2012 (K-5 Focus)
June 18-19, 2012 (6-12 Focus)
June 20-21, 2012 (K-5 Focus)
June 20-21, 2012 (6-12 Focus)

Project-Based Learning 201
The likelihood of changed teacher practice involves more than a one- or two-day workshop. Opportunities for reflection and revision yield greater dividends for professional growth. This is an opportunity to take your foundational understanding of PBL practice to a deeper level. It is designed for those that have taken PBL 101, tried it in their classroom and are now ready to return with specific questions relative to their PBL experience. A BIE-certified workshop facilitator will work with participants in sharing their PBL experience and examples of student work to see what worked and what didn’t? Time will be used to seek solutions on improving the quality of a PBL teacher’s experience each time they practice PBL. The agenda is semi-structured based on advanced techniques not offered in PBL 101 and common issues associated with facilitating PBL. Example questions include: Is it truly student-centered? Was the guiding question really inquiry-based? Were my assessments really providing quality feedback or is it just a compliance checklist? How can I incorporate more 21st century skills into the problem-solving process? Lunch is on your own. 
May 17, 2012
May 22, 2012