EDTECH 542: Week 7 Reflections

Reflection and Perfection

The process of implementing a PBL project, especially for the first time can be a daunting task.  As I go through the project I am sure that I will be constantly evaluating what works well, what doesn't work well, and what I would do differently next time. I think that ongoing assessment of the PBL project during the unit will be essential for final evaluation in addition to spending some time evaluating the project once it has been completed. It will also be important to include all stakeholders of the project in the assessment and evaluation process of the project. These stakeholders can include; colleagues, students, content experts, and your selected audience.

1. Students- After project completion it would be ideal to lead a class discussion with students to get an idea of their perceptions, opinions, and any feedback that they about the project they just completed. A discussion on what they thought went well, what did not go well, and changes for the they would make for the future. You may want to revisit the project topic to ask students what they will take away from the project. These conversations can provide valuable feedback for the teacher, but this step is also an important part of the learning process for students as well. Reflection helps the students become aware that learning has taken place.

2. Content Experts - If the project included any outside experts who participated as guest speakers or class volunteers it would also be helpful to get their perceptions and perspectives on the learning outcomes in relationship to their role in the project. This could be accomplished through informal communication or if their was a large group of experts it may be useful to have them all meet to get better feedback through a collaborative reflective process.

3. Audience - The audience in which the projects were intended for can also provide detailed feedback for the evaluation of the project. There are a number of options you could go depending on how easy it is to access your audience. You may just informally ask them questions at the end of the the presentations, this can help you gauge their first impressions. You may want to give them a short survey of questions through email or after the presentation. You could also have them fill out a presentation rubric during the presentation. Any of this information gather can be useful in the reflection process of the project.

4. Colleagues - It may be useful to find some time to sit down with your fellow colleagues that have been part of the PBL process or even those that were not for an outside perspective. This may be able to be accomplished during a department meeting time, staff meeting time, or whatever is convenient for those involved. A discussion on what went well, what did not go well, and changes for the future are all ideal starting points for this discussion. Discussing perceived student perceptions of the project and student evaluations, assessments, and learning outcomes. Where the desired learning outcomes met?

All of these possible stakeholders of the project provide valuable information in the reflection, and evaluation process of the effectiveness of the project. Once this information is all brought together, revisiting the the unit plan while it is fresh in your mind and making modifications is the final step.