promoting problem-based learning for english as a second language learners monica lee, purdue...
TRANSCRIPT
Promoting Problem-Based Learning for English as a Second Language Learners
Monica Lee, Purdue UniversityAmy Carrington, Tuttle Middle School
Agenda
Purpose & Background
What is Problem-Based Learning (PBL)?
The role of technology in PBL
Example: A PBL unit in the middle school
Advantages of PBL for ESL learners
Purpose of the Presentation
To present the potential and the possibilities of PBL at ESL settings
through a practical example of PBL at a middle school ESL setting
To introduce a web site that will be developed after the completion of the PBL unit
as a guiding model for other ESL teachers to design, develop, and facilitate PBL in their classrooms
Background
Tech-Know Build (TKB) projectFunded by the U.S. Department of Education's Technology Innovation Challenge Grant (2000-2005)Partnership: Crawfordsville School Corporation, Indiana Public Schools, ISPUI, and Purdue University
GoalTo develop students’ critical-thinking and problem-solving skillsTo support teachers’ development of student-centered belief and practices
What is Problem-Based Learning (PBL)?
A teaching/learning approach that relies on ill-structured problem to provide opportunities for student learning (Ertmer et al, 2004)
Two key featuresAn ill-structured problem that reflects real-world complexity Student-centered learning
• Teacher takes on a facilitator’s role. • Learners take ownership of their own learning.
The role of Technology in PBL
PBL is a meaningful and effective way to integrate technology into the classroom through the ill-structured problems
Technology becomes a critical tool for students’ information searching, decision-making, and presenting solutions
PBL lesson unit in the Middle School
Learning contexts7 advanced middle school ELL (English Language Learning) students
Driving question/problemHow to overcome the barrier between the immigrants and the community What do we want to share/teach others about Hispanics in Crawfordsville?
PBL unit: Overall process
Introduction of the problem (Nov.15 – 19)
• Video on ‘immigration’ & sharing ideas
Brainstorming (Nov.22 – Dec.17)• Using Inspiration• Guest speaker• Attending other students’ presentation & meeting with the community
members
Design & development (Jan.4 – Mar.25)• Writing articles using MS Word• Publishing a newspaper to introduce the project to others using MS
Publisher• Writing a play script using MS Word• Film & edit using MS Movie Maker
Final presentation with community members (Mar.29 – 31)
Advantages of PBL for ESL learners
Increased amount of language input
Authentic and contextualized language use
Shift of students’ attention from using accurate forms to meaning
Brainstorming Activity
Increased opportunities to negotiate meaning to deliver the message
Increased communicative competence
Discussion with a guest speaker
Advantages of PBL for ESL learners
Brainstorming example (Inspiration)
Brainstorming example (Inspiration)
Project Journal
Project Journal(cont’d)
Newspaper using Publisher
Newspaper using Publisher(cont’d)
Advantages of PBL for ESL learners
Increased motivation
Increased ownership in learning
Increased self-confidence as a learner
These advantages may have a strong impact especially for ESL students who
could have experienced more failure than success in learning situations
These advantages may have a strong impact especially for ESL students who
could have experienced more failure than success in learning situations
A web site (www.pblforesl.com) will be developed to present the ESL teacher and students’ experiences with PBL, including
Guiding question, learning contexts, lesson plan, resources, identified standards, assessment toolsVideo footage of the process: brainstorming, designing, developing, presentationExamples of student work: project journals, articles, etc. Teacher interview (Pre- and Post-lesson) & students interviews (Post-lesson)
Please email me ([email protected]), if you’d like to receive more information