RR#4

Discuss the potential pitfalls in project design.

-As any type of design there are always pitfalls. A project that is demanding and long, but reaches small or lower-order learning aims its not worth investing student and teachers time and effort in. Using technology applications doesn’t mean the outcome/product is significant enough.  Thematic teaching is not really project based learning. Project design should not be overly scripted with too many steps.

Discuss the features of a good project.

- An openly designed project is the best kind of way to design one.  The students would get more out of the projects if material isn’t just handed to them. An open learning environment can help students learn from one another and learn how to work together. Learning and utilizing the skills learned are two things that can help create a good project.   

Discuss where project ideas come from.

- Project ideas come from plans developed by and for teachers, news stories, contemporary issues, student questions or interests. A classroom irritant put to educational use and also a mixture of great ideas and new tools explains where project ideas come from.

Discuss the steps to design a project.

1.     Revisit the framework

2.     Establish evidence and understanding

3.     Plan the project theme of challenge  (vehicle)

4.     Plan an entrée into the project experience.

Discussion on how concepts in this chapter relate to my topic/project.

- This relates to my classroom kitchen topic because in our groups we work together in an opened ended project that we created and keep adding new material and activities to.