Driving Question
How can I incorporate more project-based learning into an online format art class?
What is project-based learning?​
​Students work on a project over an extended period of time – from a week up to a semester – that engages them in solving a real-world problem or answering a complex question. They demonstrate their knowledge and skills by creating a public product or presentation for a real audience.
iN REGARDS TO MY CHOSEN cstp AND SELF-reflected INQUIRy, WHAT WOULD i LIKE MY REALITY TO BE?
I would like to incorporate the process of Project Based Learning into my classes.
The important target for improvement when it comes to incorporating PBL to my pedagogy is asking the essential question as I plan and create the assignments: “What question or problem will drive the project?.”
I plan out this class a week at a time as we only meet for one live session a week. I will also make sure that I cover as much content-specific material as I can in the time we have while keeping them engaged and giving enough instruction with guided practice in class so they can effectively do the work independently.
The next target is to make sure that my planning and class schedule flow into each other seamlessly. Effective scaffolding is integral to PBL.
Last but not least I am focused on student choice: Student choice: “What aspects of the project will allow students to express themselves creatively?”
HOW CAN i CLOSE THE GAP BETWEEN WHERE i AM AND WHERE i WANT TO BE?
I will be adding reflections to our weekly worksheets, which continue the student’s opportunity to redo and improve work that wasn't scored favorably. I will also make time in class for students to share with the rest of their peers during class. sharing their work encourages them to take pride in their work. They spend a lot of time working on these projects and being able to share them with their classmates will increase their engagement in class, and will wrap up the PBL structure.
What actions will you take to promote success for your historically underserved students?
To make sure I am being fully accessible in my PBL, I will have sections in each project that reflect the UDL, an “I do, we do, you do” format. For example, in my Digital Art class which will be observed for this Inquiry. In class, I will be doing a demonstration of how to edit a photo in Photoshop. Then the students will have time to try the activity themselves while in class, then for their independent work, they will be trying it out on their own. We participate in breakout rooms during class, so students can discuss and work together. This curriculum is based on learning certain software that is provided by the school so there are no monetary restrictions. Tech is provided by the school as well.
Reflection
​After my observation and looking at this specific week of content and direction for my course, I think that the PBL or Project Based Learning model fits my art courses well. I was observed in my digital art class where students work in a weekly format, having guided and some independent practice in class with my instruction, and then independent work the rest of the week that is scaffolded in a packet (Weekly Worksheet) for them to finish on their own. The packet directs students to write notes from the lesson, work with the specific new tools and programs, and then finish with an Art Prompt section. The art prompt asks each student to create something of their choice, pertaining to a topic or prompt! I love giving the students the chance to be creative after practicing the new tool or program. Often their Art Prompts are the works they are most excited to share when we come back to our live session the following week!