Development+Guide+Team+Member+D1


 * Team Members D1 & D2 (Team Member D2: Project Leader) **

//** Developing sample instructional materials (draft form) **//

//** Develop at least two examples of instructional materials that you will use in your event. If this is to be created, attach a sample of each resource in draft form. If it already exists, provide a copy and copyright permission information. If the project team will create instructional media in the form of video or multimedia, include a brief storyboard that outlines and illustrates the media piece. **//

In an effort "to stay focused on solving the performance problem" (Morrison, et al, 2011), our instructional module uses four guiding questions and a Prezi presentation introducing the teachers, our learners, to the essentials of PBL and assessment.

One of the materials we have chosen in order to enable teachers to embrace PBL and assessment is a Prezi presentation created to take teachers through the process. In order for teachers to understand and appreciate the need for PBL and assessment in their classroom, they need to go through the steps.

The [|Prezi presentation] takes teachers through a variety of steps, while focusing attention on the important points to consider when designing PBL and assessment.

Firstly, PBL is defined. “In PBL students go through an extended process of inquiry in response to a complex question, problem or challenge. Rigorous projects help students learn key academic content and practice 21st century skills (such as collaboration, communication and critical thinking skills).” Further, a diagram describing PBL and the interrelationships between standards, curriculum and 21st century skills. In an effort to make the material concrete, the key words in the definitions are highlighted in different colors. “Concrete words are those that readily create a mental image for the learner” (Morrison, et al, 2011). Examples of concrete words highlighted include ‘process of inquiry’ and ‘key academic content’.

The following sections of the Prezi presentation take teachers through a variety of steps necessary whilst developing PBL unit plans and assessments. “The initial presentation [should] include the cues to signal the learner to critical information” (Morrison, et al, 2011). Each step is represented with a different background and frame. The steps progress from choosing a topic and brainstorming, envisioning the end product and creating a road map, planning an investigation, creating the culminating project to the using of rubrics to design assessment. “It is essential that the initial presentation provide the learner with the appropriate information to accomplish [the] task” (Morrison, et al, 2011).

Once the initial presentation is complete, it is important for the learners to be given the opportunity to reflect and be provided feedback. A Think-Pair-Share activity provides the teachers with the opportunity to think about the applications of what they have just seen.

The following guiding questions serve to focus the teachers on the topics to follow.
 * How does project-based learning and assessment fit into your existing curriculum?
 * What types of assessments work best for project-based learning?
 * How can I ensure that my rubrics target the standards while remaining flexible for the varied learners in my class?
 * What resources can I use to help me design project-based assessments?

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