"How to Energize Your Child’s Education with Project-Based Learning" [Video Replay and Podcast #197]

5 Comments: "How to Energize Your Child’s Education with Project-Based Learning" [Video Replay and Podcast #197]

1. What can homeschool parents do to implement Project Based Learning for our high schoolers? What resources can we use to learn how to use this with our children? (Books? Websites?, etc.) Is Project Based Learning a substitute for traditional learning? Can a high school child be taught entirely by way of project based learning for all subjects (biology, history, math, language arts, etc.)

2. I have 2 daughters that attend(ed) a PBL based elementary. My younger one is in 5th grade and her ADHD is much more intense than my older daughter. The older one went from 2 years at the PBL based school (first 2 yrs it was open testing the PBL format) to a traditional middle school. It was a hard transition for her as she LOVED the PBL format. As this transition will be MUCH harder for my younger daughter next year, what are things to help with that transition or reasources? She has been in PBL school for 3 years and thrived. In her previous grade school she was frequently in trouble and low grades, but in PBL format she is at grade level now and even above in math. It has been a blessing so I’m concerned about the transition.

3. Could you provide a list of independent High Schools in the NYC area that offer project-based learning? My 13 year old son is researching high schools now and an environment like this might work.

4. Can the presenter please provide cited, third-party verified research showing kids with ADHD learn more or score higher on content tests with Project Based Learning?

   PBL is a current teaching fad with no scientific basis, particularly with ADHD kids. Our ADD children often have concurrent learning disabilities, such as Dyslexia. Project Based Learning, or “Discover” math, “inquiry ” learning methods that are open ended and have no true direction are a nightmare for our kids. Direct, explicit instruction such as that with Ortho-Gillingham or traditional mathematics with example problems and scaffolding are appropriate for ADHD kids.

   1. Projects have a place in school curriculum, but should never be the core of instruction. Use of PBL in math and reading instruction should be limited, especially for ADHD kids. It is best applied in a science class.

      Cognitive Load Theory (cese.nsw.gov.au) is a study of how the human brain learns and stores knowledge. Parents and educators should research evidence-based, theoretical and empirical support for explicit models of instruction.

      Not all “engagement” is productive, learning engagement.