Youth Engagement and Health Promotion through Project-Based Learning

VAHPERD Fall Leadership Development Conference

November 7, 2015

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What is Youth Engagement?

“meaningful participation and sustainable involvement of young people in shared decisions in matters which affect their lives and those of their community, including planning, decision-making and program delivery”*

*Ministry of Children and Family Development Youth Advisory Group Choices of Reality. (2011). Your Guide to Youth Advisory Councils. 2

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Why Project Based Learning? • Challenging problem/question – Explore real world problems and

challenges. Can provide solutions in the real world and acquire a deeper knowledge.

• Student Voice - Students make choices that determine the outcome and path of research

• Sustained Inquiry – extended process of asking questions, finding resources, and applying information

• Authenticity – It is relevant to students lives or future lives

• Reflection – Students reflect on learning, obstacles, how to overcome

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*List adapted from The Difference Between Projects And Project-Based Learning; © Amy Mayer

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SWAG Bracelets

“Best Eyes” Contest

Text Message Contest

Train-the-Trainer

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Four Corners: The Blair Walk Project

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Crosswalk Simulation and Bike Rodeos

• Simulated real world experience of crossing a street.

• Bike rodeo is a clinic to teach children the skills and precautions to ride a bicycle safely.

Train-the-Trainer

• High School students are trained to conduct the simulation and assist with bike rodeo activities at various events.

Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Education

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Walk Your Way Project

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• Walk Your Way launched in late October 2013

• Awarded up to $2,000 to teams of high school students for creating, designing and implementing a pedestrian safety education program at their high school.

• Four high schools and 1 youth serving nonprofit agency • B-CC, Wheaton, Northwood,

and Richard Montgomery High Schools

• Leadership Institute

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Student Service Learning (SSL)

• Service learning incorporates all three of the major youth engagement strategies –

• Planning

• Implementing

• Evaluating/reflecting

• Students can use projects to get SSL credit towards graduation

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Walk Your Way Projects

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“Tired Faces” Campaign

10 “Tired Faces” Photoshoot using Montgomery County Teens

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YOLO – You Only Live Once High School Pedestrian Safety Campaign

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YOLO Mirror Clings

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YOLO Pledge Banner

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Montgomery County teens featured in the YOLO posters. Each school received two copies of each in their toolkit.

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Gaithersburg High School

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Gaithersburg High School

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Bethesda Chevy Chase HS

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World of Montgomery Festival – celebrate the diverse cultural heritages which play an active role in the lives of Montgomery County residents and communities.

Bethesda Chevy Chase High School Sporting Event

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Beyond the School Walls

• Students from the Bethesda Chevy Chase HS Pedestrian Safety Group joined other students from around the area at the YMCA Youth and Government Summit in DC to learn about legislation in key areas of city planning and management.

• During the breakout session with the Police Department, students learned about legislation that affects pedestrians, ways the legislation is enforced and the overall plan to keep pedestrians safe.

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During the DOT session the students had a chance to design a street plan that could move citizens safely through a major thorough fare.

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Take Action Against Distraction Middle School Contest

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https://youtu.be/xpmtQgnEvnA

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Incorporate Project Based Learning (PBL) • PBL is flexible.

• PBL makes school more engaging for students.

• PBL improves learning.

• PBL builds success skills for college, career, and life.

• PBL provides opportunities for students to use technology.

• PBL connects students and schools with communities and the real world.

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*Buck Institute for Education (BIE)

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THANK YOU!

Nadji Kirby, Safe Routes to School Coordinator

Montgomery County Department of Transportation

nadji.kirby@montgomerycountymd.gov

240-777-7169

Websites:

Montgomery County Safe Routes to School - http://montgomerycountymd.gov/DOT-PedSafety/SRTS/home.html

YOLO Campaign - http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/safety/index.html

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